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 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

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.

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Drink at The Well – Hon’s Honey Social Enterprise

$60,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of Hon’s Honey, a social enterprise of Drink at The Well, located in the South Baltimore community of Curtis Bay. Hon’s Honey offers employment opportunities for women who have experienced trauma and who participate in The Well’s mentoring program.

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Food & Water Watch

$30,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of outreach and advocacy to ensure effective implementation of “Water4All,” an income-based water assistance program for low-income residents in Baltimore City, and consideration of affordability in regional governance strategies.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.