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

Valley/Bridge House

$50,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward general operating costs of a transitional housing program that provides substance abuse treatment services to 87 Baltimore City men each year living in the two houses. The objective is to achieve a 75 percent rate of completion of the 12-step facilitation program.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$80,500 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continuation and expansion of an initiative to provide 35 donated, repaired, and Maryland-inspected cars to low-income persons in Baltimore City. To be eligible to purchase a used reconditioned car, a low-income owner must reside in Baltimore City, have a job or a job offer, and need a car for employment purposes.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$100,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Toward the purchase, renovation, and related expenses of a new location for expansion of the Vehicles for Change initiative, which provides six cars per month to low-income persons in Baltimore City.

Venture For America

$150,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To fund the employment of 10 college graduates in start-up and early-stage companies in Baltimore City, with the expectation that these graduates will found or contribute to the growth of Baltimore-based start-up companies.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$109,200 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Chase Pier Waterfalls and Constructed Wetland Project, in an effort to make the Baltimore Harbor safe for swimming and fishing by 2020. The goal of the project is to transform an obsolete, deteriorating structure into a water sculpture, and create awareness of pollution threats to public health.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.