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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Job Opportunities Task Force

$125,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support of the JumpStart Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program for 70 Baltimore City residents. The 13-week program has been designed to provide low-income city residents with training in handling tools, construction math, and safety, as well as an introduction to the carpentry, electrical, and plumbing trades. Approximately 70 percent of program graduates are placed into employment, with 25 percent enrolled in apprenticeships.

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

$137,500 / 2011 / Workforce Development
To provide the Vehicles for Change program with cars and driver’s education for 50 families participating in the Housing Authority’s Special Mobility Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation

$40,156 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward support of CARES Career Connection, an employment program that serves 120 unemployed men and women in Baltimore City. The program provides job counseling, resume preparation, mentoring, and assistance with job placement, with the goal of helping 60 clients find employment within 12 months of enrollment.

Digit All Systems, Inc.

$40,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of Information Technology certification training in Microsoft applications for 200 Baltimore City students. By providing classes in Microsoft Office applications, Digit All Systems expects to award 166 participants with Microsoft application certificates.

Community Health Integrated Partnership, Inc.

$40,474 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward support of the Community HealthCorps Workforce Development Program. The program is designed to increase access to primary and preventive health services, improve utilization of health and social services, and provide community outreach and recruitment of volunteers.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.