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

Baltimore Tree Trust

$75,000 / 2023 / Environment

In support of Baltimore Tree Trust’s Neighborhood Forestry Initiative, which offers hands-on training in tree planting and maintenance to create viable employment pathways, increase Baltimore’s tree canopy, and improve the health of neighborhood residents.

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Behavioral Health Leadership Institute Inc.

$100,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of expanding the Project Connections on the Street (PCOS) program, which will allow PCOS to work directly with the Baltimore City Police to increase direct access to treatment for detained individuals who are amenable to diversion to community voluntary treatment.

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Building STEPS Inc.

$40,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of STEM workshops, college advising, STEM-related internships, and college-directed programming.

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CASH Campaign of Maryland

$100,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of operations for at least eight free tax preparation sites, providing 8,500 low-income individuals and families in Baltimore with access to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and asset-building services.

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Drexel University – Nowak Metro Finance Lab

$50,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of staff and operating expenses for an assessment of the procurement economy in Maryland and Baltimore that will strengthen procurement systems and lead to supplier development strategies that boost public contracting with local firms and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.