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

Tuerk House, Inc.

$120,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward expansion of the Open Doors Social Enterprise Project, including staffing costs, stipends for 52 program participants, and the purchase of a 15-passenger van. The Open Doors program will secure cleaning and landscaping contracts, and assist graduates in finding jobs and transitioning into independent living.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2011 / 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.

Seedco

$75,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For expansion and continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a technical assistance initiative to help 4,000 low-wage workers and individuals access benefits and income support. The Web-based screening tool helps individuals and families apply for federal, state, and city benefits.

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the center’s drug treatment and job-training programs. The Rose Street Community Center serves more than 90 people a week and provides transitional housing for an average of 45 to 60 men and women. The center also offers mental health services, gang mediation, tutoring and art classes, as well as shelter for homeless youth.

Parks & People Foundation

$150,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of the Green Career Training Program, a job-skills training and placement program for 15 Baltimore City young adults, ages 17 to 26, in the Westport and Middle Branch neighborhoods. The program will offer participants training in horticulture, arboriculture, landscaping, building, and general job readiness. The objective is to enable 75 percent of the graduates to secure and maintain employment in an entry-level position in a green job-related field, or to enroll in a higher level training program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.