Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

CivicWorks

$297,924 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore Center for Green Careers, which has built a multi-tiered green career “pathway out of poverty” by training and placing Baltimore City residents in the brownfield remediation and residential energy retrofit industries. During the five-week entry-level brownfield remediation training, 80 participants receive five industry-recognized certifications, and conduct a hands-on practicum. The three-month entry-level energy retrofit installer training program provides 25 trainees with one month of classroom-based instruction and two months of on-the-job training through Civic Works’ social enterprise, EnergyReady.

Center for Urban Families

$450,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of STRIVE Baltimore, a job-training and placement service for men and women. The model includes a three-week pre-placement workshop that focuses on improving workplace behavior, appearance, and attitude.

CASA de Maryland, Inc.

$170,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Toward support of the Baltimore Welcome Center, created to provide employment placement services for day laborers and low-income workers. The program offers a range of services that includes placing workers in temporary and daily jobs; providing workers with vocational training; providing residents with information on how to access financial literacy classes, and legal and social services; and assisting families with naturalization processing.

BWI Community Development Foundation

$24,500 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the weekend Sunrise Shuttle commuter transportation project, which serves up to 84 Baltimore City residents working in the suburbs.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.