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

Job Opportunities Task Force

$75,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore CASH Campaign, an initiative designed to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit. The campaign plans to serve 9,000 residents while operating 15 to 17 free tax preparation sites. Plans call for strengthening and expanding its financial education program to help clients save more of the money they earn; enrolling tax filers into public benefits programs through EarnBenefits; and building assets of low-wage tax payers through savings accounts and the purchase of savings bonds.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.