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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$75,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of staff and operating expenses for the Housing Stability and Legacy Program, which provides full legal services to eligible Baltimore City homeowners.

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Modern Classrooms Project

$75,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of continued growth of the Modern Classrooms Project pilot in Baltimore, targeting an estimated 300 classrooms during the 2023-2024 school year.

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Morphology in Middle School Project, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$28,356 / 2023 / Education

In support of Science of Reading training for 12 Baltimore City middle school educators, who teach around 300 students.

North East Housing Initiative

$25,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of efforts to convert long-time renters into homeowners, avoid involuntary displacement and increase housing stability, and provide low- and moderate-income households with the opportunity to build limited equity through ownership of vacant houses redeveloped under a Community Land Trust model.

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Pro Bono Counseling Project

$30,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for Pro Bono Counseling, which matches low-income Maryland residents with volunteer licensed mental health providers.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.