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

Harbor City Services, Inc.

$25,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support of operating costs of a document management, moving/storage, and warehouse business, providing full-time and part-time employment to 30 Baltimore City residents with psychiatric disabilities. The business secures contracts with medical centers, financial and real estate firms, and law firms and social service programs, and is able to provide above minimum-wage jobs.

GROUP Ministries, Inc.

$105,370 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For the purchase of one house in the Rosemont community, and to provide on-the-job training in home renovations for 10 ex-offenders. The men will be placed in a pre-apprenticeship program with outside contractors.

Civic Works

$83,473 / 2010 / Workforce Development
Toward the creation of the Energy Retrofit Contractor Development pilot project. The project will identify and select a contractor from the Westport community to provide six months of classroom and on-the-job training teaching installation, air sealing, and cool roofing as steps to establish an energy-efficiency retrofit business.

Center for Urban Families

$328,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For continued support of STRIVE Baltimore, a job-training and placement service for men and women. The STRIVE model, an intensive three-week workshop, focuses on job readiness, job placement, post-placement support, one-on-one and group counseling, parenting skills, and case management.

CASA de Maryland, Inc.

$150,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore Worker Employment Center for day laborers and low-income workers. The program provides employment placement services, financial literacy classes, free tax preparation, referrals to legal and social services, English as a Second Language classes, identification cards, and assistance with naturalization applications.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.