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

The WorkFirst Foundation

$400,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore Ex-Offender Re-entry Employment Program for America Works of Maryland participants. The program offers two-week training sessions, enrolling ex-offenders and those recently released from prison, and then placing them into employment.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$100,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Toward the purchase, renovation, and related expenses of a new location for expansion of the Vehicles for Change initiative, which provides six cars per month to low-income persons in Baltimore City.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$80,500 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continuation and expansion of an initiative to provide 35 donated, repaired, and Maryland-inspected cars to low-income persons in Baltimore City. To be eligible to purchase a used reconditioned car, a low-income owner must reside in Baltimore City, have a job or a job offer, and need a car for employment purposes.

The Urban Alliance Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support of a workforce development initiative to provide paid internships to 30 Baltimore youth aging out of foster care. The alliance serves two cohorts over a six-month period. The goal is for 75 youth to be placed into unsubsidized employment, or to be enrolled in post-secondary education or a training program.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$150,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Capital funding toward the establishment of a state-of-the-art training kitchen for the Next Course culinary arts program. The facility includes a classroom, offices, meeting room, reception area, lockers, and kitchen. Graduates of the Next Course prepare more than 5,000 meals a day through the Kidz Table social enterprise.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.