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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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore City Public Schools

$10,000 / 2017 / Education

In support of a pilot program for 2,000 5th, 6th and 9th grade students in Baltimore City using InferCabulary software to increase critical thinking, vocabulary acquisition, and ultimately reading comprehension. 

American Communities Trust, Inc.

$25,000 / 2017 / Community Development

In support of design costs for the Wolfe & Gay Gateway Placemaking project.

The Work First Foundation

$200,000 / 2017 / Workforce Development

For continued support of the Baltimore Ex-Offender Reentry Employment Program for America Works of Maryland participants.

Thread, Inc.

$1,700,000 / 2017 / Education

For four-year scale-up of the Thread Community Model to serve 60 percent of the lowest performing ninth grade students in Baltimore City Schools by 2021.

Tahirih Justice Center

$30,000 / 2017 / Health and Human Services

In support of pro bono legal and social services for immigrant women and girls in Baltimore City who are fleeing gender-based violence.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.