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 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.

University of Maryland/Philip Merrill College of Journalism

$25,000 / 2014 / Environment

For expenses related to the 2015 Abell Professorship in Baltimore Journalism symposium, “Can Art Change the City?”

Urban Teacher Center, Inc.

$250,000 / 2014 / Education

Two‑year funding to provide bridge funding for scaling the number of teachers trained for Baltimore City Public Schools and achieving financial sustainability by 2017.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$100,000 / 2014 / Workforce Development

Toward support of the Academy for Automotive Careers, an automotive technician training program for ex‑offenders.

Venture for America

$150,000 / 2014 / Community Development

To place ten 2014 college graduates in start‑up and early stage companies in Baltimore City; and for ongoing programming and professional development for the 2013 Fellows.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.