Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Women’s Housing Coalition

$7,500 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For contractual services and related expenses to provide workforce development assistance to women in permanent supportive housing programs. The purpose of the initiative is to improve the employment outcomes of the residents by having a part-time job coach who identifies educational and training programs that best suit the residents’ employment and career goals. This will provide all residents the opportunity to participate in better-matched programs that meet their needs.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$73,500 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For continuation and expansion of an initiative to provide 35 donated, repaired, and state-inspected cars to low-income persons in Baltimore City. To be eligible to purchase a car, a potential owner must reside in Baltimore City, qualify as being low income, have a job or job offer, and need a car for employment purposes.

Seedco

$75,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For expansion and continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a technical-assistance initiative to help more than 3,000 low-wage workers access benefits and income supports. The Web-based screening tool helps individuals and families apply for 22 different federal, state, and city benefits. An effort is being made to identify a Baltimore-based intermediary to take on the day-to-day operations, and to develop a fiscal and management infrastructure to support a network oversight.

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For continued support of drug treatment and job-training programs. Rose Street serves more than 90 people a week, and provides transitional housing for an average of 45 to 50 men and women. The center offers mental health services, gang mediation, GED classes, tutoring, art classes, and shelter for homeless youth.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.