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

Marian House, Inc.

$100,000 / 2016 / Health and Human Services

For support of transitional housing for homeless women and children.

Latino Economic Development Center

$50,000 / 2016 / Workforce Development

For support of small business coaching for Latinos.

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

$45 / 2016 / Environment

For continued support of Waste to Wealth: Creating Jobs in Baltimore, an initiative designed to convert waste from an environmental and economic liability into a valuable resource.  ILSR seeks to pilot a youth-led, bike-powered food scrap collection and composting enterprise in Baltimore’s Brooklyn and Curtis Bay neighborhoods.

The Ingenuity Project

$425,000 / 2016 / Education

For support of the 2016‑2017 Ingenuity Project, an advanced math, science, and research program for Baltimore City public middle and high school students.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$75,000 / 2016 / Health and Human Services

For supporting the prevention of evictions and termination of subsidies for low-income Baltimore City households.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.