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

A New Faith Community

$24,545 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Two grants toward renovation costs and for expanded programming of the Clay Pots Tutoring Center, an adult literacy and GED program for residents of West Baltimore. Working in partnership with the South Baltimore Learning Center, classes are offered in Adult Basic Education, GED, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Moveable Feast, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Culinary Arts and Life Skills Training Program for unemployed and under-employed Baltimore City residents. Moveable Feast will enroll 32 students into a 12-week program and teach the basics of commercial kitchen operations and menu planning. Nearly 70 percent of graduates are placed into entry-level food service positions.

Mosaic Community Services

$136,675 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of vocational services for 100 Baltimore City residents challenged by mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Funding will be used to hire a benefits counselor and a workforce development specialist.

Maryland Community Health Initiatives, Inc.

$219,838 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of the Partnership for Growth initiative, an education and job-training program serving 40 clients of Penn North. In an effort to reduce re-arrest and incarceration rates of program participants, Penn North will provide training for street cleaning, lawn maintenance, ground-level tree trimming, touch-up painting, and hauling. The goal is to place 20 graduates into full-time employment and 10 workers into part-time employment.

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (MCAT)

$80,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support and expansion of job-training programs for unemployed and underemployed youth and adults in Baltimore City. MCAT plans to offer an evening GED training program for 40 young men, ages 17 to 24. The course curriculum will emphasize employment opportunities, job readiness, and weekly individual counseling sessions devoted to addressing educational and criminal background issues. The goal of the initiative is to prepare 36 students for the GED exam, and to place students into jobs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.