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

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.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn Program, a job-training and placement program for 300 participants at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. The program provides specialized training in child care, medical terminology, certified nursing assistance, and culinary arts.

Seedco

$75,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For expansion and continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a technical assistance initiative to help 4,000 low-wage workers and individuals access benefits and income support. The Web-based screening tool helps individuals and families apply for federal, state, and city benefits.

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the center’s drug treatment and job-training programs. The Rose Street Community Center serves more than 90 people a week and provides transitional housing for an average of 45 to 60 men and women. The center also offers mental health services, gang mediation, tutoring and art classes, as well as shelter for homeless youth.

Parks & People Foundation

$150,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of the Green Career Training Program, a job-skills training and placement program for 15 Baltimore City young adults, ages 17 to 26, in the Westport and Middle Branch neighborhoods. The program will offer participants training in horticulture, arboriculture, landscaping, building, and general job readiness. The objective is to enable 75 percent of the graduates to secure and maintain employment in an entry-level position in a green job-related field, or to enroll in a higher level training program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.