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

Digital Harbor Foundation

$80,000 / 2014 / Education

To assist in the creation of the Digital Harbor Foundation Center of Excellence for Innovation in Technology Education in Baltimore City Public Schools.

Baltimore City Public Schools

$75,250 / 2014 / Education

For support of the 2014 SummerREADs book distribution program for 1,700 kindergarden through third‑grade students in seven high‑poverty, low‑performing Baltimore city public schools.

Year Up Baltimore

$100,000 / 2014 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support and expansion of the Year Up Baltimore Program, a workforce development initiative for at-risk young adults in Baltimore City.

The Urban Alliance Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2014 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support of a workforce development initiative for low-income youth in Baltimore City.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

$50,000 / 2014 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the Maryland Hospitals for Healthy Environments MD H2E initiative, designed to improve the environmental impact of health care institutions in Maryland.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.