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

University System of Maryland

$55,000 / 2025 / Education

In support of the new Empowered Educator program, which is designed to move conditionally certified teachers toward full certification via an online, asynchronous alternative teacher licensure pathway.

Vehicles for Change Inc.

$200,000 / 2025 / Workforce Development

In support of providing 64 Baltimore City residents with criminal backgrounds with training in automotive repair and placing graduates into jobs as certified automotive mechanics, earning at least $19 per hour.

Learn More

4MyCiTy Inc.

$50,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of 4MyCity’s food rescue, food redistribution, and composting efforts in Baltimore City.

Learn More

Digital Harbor High School, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$24,685 / 2025 / Education

In support of 75 Digital Harbor High School students participating in driver’s education courses and behind the wheel training, resulting in the acquisition of a driver’s license.

Baltimore Community ToolBank

$40,000 / 2025 / Community Development

In support of general operating support for core staffing and service delivery.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.