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

Belair Edison Neighborhoods, Inc.

$35,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For continued support of neighborhood revitalization through pre- and post-homeownership counseling, financial education, and marketing efforts.

Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Maryland Mentoring Partnership

$15,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of “B’Mentors: The Baltimore City Initiative” for 235 at-risk youth in six troubled neighborhoods. By matching youth with mentors, it is expected that there will be improvements in confidence, competence, academic performance, and relationships with adults and peers.

BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc.

$75,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the BioSTART and Laboratory Associates programs, which, upon completion, enable high school graduates and low-skilled workers to pursue entry-level positions in bioscience. The BioSTART program is a 12-week “bridge” program that introduces participants to bioscience terminology, occupations, and lab procedures, and provides math remediation. The Laboratory Associates program consists of nine weeks of lectures and laboratory exercises, and a three-week internship with a biotech laboratory.

Blue Water Baltimore

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
To cover costs associated with the monitoring of water quality samples taken over a nine-week period from the Solarbee aerator/circulator project. The monitoring program is designed to measure changes in biological matter evidenced by algae bloom. This information allows for a better understanding of water quality issues and restoration needs of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation

$39,746 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For the purchase and installation of 16 laptop and six desktop computers and software for the Bon Secours computer lab. The equipment will enable Bon Secours to provide free or low-cost tax preparation services to 1,600 tax filers. Bon Secours will also provide 20 residents with at least 30 hours of financial management training, 259 residents with financial counseling, and 155 residents with job-readiness training.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.