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

Blue Water Baltimore

$100,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of a workforce development program in landscaping, horticulture, green roof and living wall installation and maintenance, and watershed restoration. Blue Water Baltimore will hire and train three technicians from under-represented neighborhoods. Once training is completed, the technicians will transition to permanent jobs or career paths.

BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc.

$75,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the BioSTART and Laboratory Associates programs. The BioSTART program, which enables high school graduates and low-skilled workers to pursue entry-level positions in bioscience, is a 12-week “bridge” course that introduces participants to bioscience terminology, occupations, and lab procedures, and provides math remediation. The Laboratory Associates program consists of nine weeks of lectures and laboratory activities, and a three-week internship in a biotech laboratory.

Baltimore Outreach Services, Inc.

$25,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Continued funding for support of internships for eight homeless women participating in the Culinary Arts Job Training Program. These internships allow students to hone their skills and gain on-the-job work experience, while employers benefit from being provided with qualified candidates.

Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare, Inc.

$90,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Pre Allied Health Bridge Project and the Career Coaching Program designed to prepare health-care institution employees to meet the entry requirements for health-care training programs. The Alliance is launching an initiative in which students from Baltimore City public schools can complete the Baltimore City Community College’s developmental math requirements during their senior year of high school in order to pursue a career in health care.

Art with a Heart

$35,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For support and expansion of the 2012 Summer Job Program, a visual arts initiative serving 50 at-risk Baltimore City youth. Participants from Rose Street Community Center, Paul’s Place, and Dr. Raynor Brown Elementary/Middle School enroll in a four-week, five-days-a-week program and are given the opportunity to create and market their artwork. They receive job and life-skills training; work two, two-hour shifts in the retail store; and receive stipends of $10 per day as part of the summer work experience.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.