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

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$100,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of general operations for staff and programs supporting senior homeowner repair, summer youth employment, and youth sports in Southeast and East Baltimore.

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Be Org Inc.

$35,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of general operating expenses for Be. Org, a mentoring, workforce development, and STEM-improvement program serving about 600 students.

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Byte Back

$100,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of Byte Back’s free digital literacy training for 100 low-income adults in Baltimore, helping them to master fundamental computer skills and applications.

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Civic Works Inc.

$50,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of Civic Works’ Center for Sustainable Careers, which provides a multi-tiered, green career “pathway out of poverty” by training and placing 110 Baltimore City residents into employment in the solar, roofing, and infrastructure remediation industries.

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Environmental Defense Fund

$75,000 / 2023 / Environment

In support of leveraging federal resources to implement projects that will reduce emissions and and associated health impacts from freight and cargo transportation in collaboration with the Port of Baltimore, one of the city’s largest and most concentrated sources of emissions.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.