Grants

The Abell Foundation awards grants to nonprofit community partners working to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. We provide seed funding for innovative pilots, support for ongoing community programs and services, and funding for capital projects. In addition to providing grant funding, the Foundation supports our nonprofit partners through connection to our local and national networks, as well as our team’s deep experience in and knowledge of Baltimore as it relates to our program areas.

Learn More About Our Process

Eligibility and Review Criteria

For all nonprofit organizations seeking grant funding, regardless of the request amount. 

Small Grants Process

For grant requests of $10,000 or less.

Reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply.

Regular Grants Process

For grant requests greater than $10,000.

Reviewed at one of the Foundation’s five annual Board meetings.

Submit an Application

Considering Applying for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application. For guidance on what to include in your LOI, please reference our frequently asked questions.

Submit an LOI

Ready to Apply?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Building STEPS Inc.

$40,000 / 2025 / Education

In support of the STEM workshops, college advising, internships, and college-directed programming to nearly 400 Baltimore City students.

Learn more

Building STEPS Inc.

$40,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of STEM workshops, college advising, STEM-related internships, and college-directed programming.

Learn More

Building STEPS Inc.

$35,000 / 2026 / Education

In support of STEM workshops, college advising, STEM-related internships, and college-directed programming for 550 Baltimore City students on their pathway to higher education.

Learn more

Building STEPS, Inc.

$80,000 / 2017 / Education

To double the size of incoming cohorts to 150 incoming 11th graders over the next two years while expanding the number of non-academic criteria high schools that participate.

Building STEPS, Inc.

$35,000 / 2018 / Education

Building STEPS provides promising students from Baltimore’s non-academic criteria high schools interested in science and technology (STEM) with an education in workplace dynamics and internships, as well as counseling in college and career choices in a program that spans from 11th grade through college to career. Building STEPS intends for 88 percent of its participants to earn a post-secondary degree, and the vast majority will be the first in their family to graduate from college. This grant will enable Building STEPS to expand the number of high schools it serves from 15 to 18-20, and increase the number of incoming 11th grade students to 150. Overall, the program will serve over 550 Baltimore City students/graduates ages 16-24 in the next year.

 

Header photo courtesy of Thread.