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

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (MCAT)

$80,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support and expansion of job-training programs for unemployed and underemployed youth and adults in Baltimore City. MCAT plans to offer an evening GED training program for 40 young men, ages 17 to 24. The course curriculum will emphasize employment opportunities, job readiness, and weekly individual counseling sessions devoted to addressing educational and criminal background issues. The goal of the initiative is to prepare 36 students for the GED exam, and to place students into jobs.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation (MCA)

$5,000 / 2011 / Arts
Toward the promotion of the importance of the arts for the quality of life in the community. By expanding the base of support of grassroots advocates for the arts, MCA works to keep the arts on legislators’ agendas.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of the 2011 Alcohol Tax victory celebration at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Maryland Community Health Initiatives, Inc.

$219,838 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of the Partnership for Growth initiative, an education and job-training program serving 40 clients of Penn North. In an effort to reduce re-arrest and incarceration rates of program participants, Penn North will provide training for street cleaning, lawn maintenance, ground-level tree trimming, touch-up painting, and hauling. The goal is to place 20 graduates into full-time employment and 10 workers into part-time employment.

Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc.

$32,000 / 2011 / Community Development
To conduct a study of Rent-to-Own stores in Baltimore City. The purpose of the study is to determine the extent of price gouging, false advertising or omission of facts, collection activities, harassment by collection agents, and defective goods. The report will recommend changes in existing state law that would protect consumers from abusive Rent-to-Own practices.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.