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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Advocates for Children and Youth

$50,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY) is an independent organization dedicated to promoting the interests of children and families in Maryland through research, policy development, community outreach, media relations, and government relations.  ACY is one of the leading champions of policies in Maryland that advance the interests of children across a broad range of issues, including education, child welfare, juvenile justice and health care.  This grant supports ACY’s child welfare program, which focuses on the needs of foster and homeless youth in Maryland.   

Fund for Educational Excellence

$75,000 / 2017 / Education

Toward the Year 4 implementation of Baltimore’s Promise, a collaborative, city-wide, cradle-to-career initiative to improve child outcomes.

International Rescue Committee, Inc.

$110,347 / 2014 / Community Development
Toward support of an Individual Development Account Program in an effort to purchase homes in Baltimore City; and for the Childcare Training Project for female refugees in Baltimore City.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn Program, a job-training and placement program for 300 participants at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. The program provides specialized training in child care, medical terminology, certified nursing assistance, and culinary arts.

Adoptions Together, Inc.

$299,859 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Family Find Step Down Project, which is committed to achieving permanency for 135 children who are currently in Baltimore City foster care. Working closely with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Adoptions Together identifies and recruits family members and others who may be interested in adoption, and provides placement, preparation, and post-placement counseling and support services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.