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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

A New Faith Community

$8,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
Toward renovation costs for expansion of the Clay Pots Tutoring Center, an adult literacy and GED program for residents of West Baltimore. The community wellness center/coffee house serves as a safe, inviting center for continuing education classes preparing candidates for GEDs and English as a Second Language, as well as for employment in visual arts and music.

Moveable Feast, Inc.

$25,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Culinary Arts and Life Skills Training Program for unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents. The program enrolls 32 students each year into a 12-week program, teaching the basics of commercial kitchen operations and menu planning. Graduates are placed in entry-level food service positions paying a living wage with benefits.

Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training, Inc.

$200,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
Toward renovation costs and the purchase of updated equipment and new furnishings for a facility in support of service to homeless veterans. The therapeutic residential setting offers shelter and an array of services to enable homeless veterans to rejoin their communities. Its employment program offers job development, placement, workshops, resume preparation, and training in interviewing skills.

Learning Is For Tomorrow, Inc. (LIFT)

$22,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
Toward general support, and for securing additional space for expansion of adult literacy and job-training programs for residents of Southeast Baltimore. LIFT specializes in providing educational services to adults with a variety of learning disabilities and then connects the literacy instruction to employment, and it helps students compose resumes, apply for jobs online, and improve interviewing skills. Moving into a larger space means more classrooms and computers, which will allow the facility to serve more students, many of whom are being referred to other low-literacy programs.

Job Opportunities Task Force

$50,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore CASH Campaign, an initiative designed to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Baltimore CASH plans to serve 10,000 tax filers by operating 15 to 17 free tax-preparation sites and training 200 volunteers. As the internal capacity of high-volume sites continues to grow, the quality of services and customer satisfaction will be monitored. Plans call for strengthening and expanding financial education/asset development activities for low-wage tax filers.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.