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

WYPR-Your Public Radio Corporation

$20,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of a three-day film and live music festival in summer 2023, which will showcase new feature films and shorts to attract a diverse audience and celebrate the arts, filmmakers, artists, and musicians.

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4MyCiTy Inc.

$100,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of 4MyCity’s food rescue, food redistribution, and composting efforts.

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American Witness

$150,000 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of operations for Baltimore Witness, a court watch program providing transparency and accountability to Baltimore’s criminal justice system through data collection and reporting. Baltimore Witness relies on reporters covering every hearing of homicide and non-fatal shooting cases heard at the Baltimore City Circuit Court.

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An End to Ignorance Inc.

$100,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of staff salaries to strengthen the capacity of Bmore Community Food, a food rescue and distribution effort that addresses the twin problems of food insecurity and food waste.

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Baltimore Tree Trust

$60,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of Baltimore Tree Trust’s Community Forester Corps program, which creates employment pathways through classroom and hands-on training in tree planting and maintenance, urban forestry, and tree mapping and data management.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.