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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Our Past Grants

1000 Friends of Maryland

$30,000 / 2011 / Environment
Two-year funding for continued support of staffing and expenses in support of the Partners for Open Space campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to ensure that full funding of the dedicated one-half of 1 percent of Maryland’s transfer real estate tax remains earmarked for planning, acquisition, and development of recreation land or open space areas as part of Program Open Space, serving as a national model of a successful conservation strategy.

Year Up Washington, Inc.

$200,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support and expansion of the Year Up Baltimore program, a workforce development initiative for up to 64 at-risk young adults ages 18 to 24 in Baltimore City. Year Up provides one year of information technology training. During the first six months of the program, participants are paid weekly stipends and attend classes. For the next six months, students are placed in paid internships and are then assisted in finding professional level jobs.

The Work First Foundation

$400,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore Ex Offender Re-entry Employment Program for America Works of Maryland participants. The program aims to place 400 ex-offenders into jobs paying an average of $8.50 an hour. The program will help those placed into jobs retain employment for up to 180 days.

The Urban Alliance Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward support of a workforce development initiative to serve low-income youth in Baltimore City. In partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Urban Alliance serves 15 youth, ages 18 to 21, who are aging out of foster care, and provides paid internship opportunities to help increase the youths’ work skills. At least nine youth will be placed into unsubsidized employment, or enrolled into postᆳsecondary education or training programs.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.