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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore Inc.

$50,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Front Door Rapid Re-Housing Program, which helps households experiencing homelessness obtain and maintain permanent housing.

Learn more

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore Inc.

$50,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Beans and Bread Homeless Day Resource Center, which provides a range of supportive services for people experiencing homelessness, including two daily meals, case management, and connections to housing, health care and employment services.

Learn more

The Book Thing of Baltimore Inc.

$30,000 / 2025 / Education

In support of general operating funds to build out The Book Thing’s operational capacity, expand the number of giveaway days each month, solidify structures to reinforce its volunteer base, build fundraising capacity, and assist with board development.

Learn more

The Justice Policy Institute

$75,000 / 2025 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Justice Policy Institute (JPI), which works to advance criminal justice reform in the State of Maryland. JPI will focus its efforts on research and education around parole and pretrial justice reform in Baltimore City.

Learn more

Turnaround Tuesday Inc.

$125,000 / 2025 / Workforce Development

In support of helping 350 Baltimore residents secure jobs. Turnaround Tuesday focuses on finding and creating quality jobs that pay over $16 per hour, offer medical and vacation benefits, and provide a career pathway.

Learn more

Header photo courtesy of Thread.