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

Parks & People Foundation

$150,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of the Green Career Training Program, a job-skills training and placement program for 15 Baltimore City young adults, ages 17 to 26, in the Westport and Middle Branch neighborhoods. The program will offer participants training in horticulture, arboriculture, landscaping, building, and general job readiness. The objective is to enable 75 percent of the graduates to secure and maintain employment in an entry-level position in a green job-related field, or to enroll in a higher level training program.

Parkside Warriors

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of football uniforms for up to 250 boys and girls who are participating in supervised after-school sports in the Belair-Edison neighborhood.

Paul’s Place, Inc.

$250,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward funding of the Campaign for Paul’s Place, an effort to support and expand outreach services and programs for disadvantaged residents in Washington Village/Pigtown, and to develop a comprehensive case management program enabling clients to move beyond crisis to independence and productivity. The campaign’s goals include raising $1 million for client services; $500,000 for capital improvements to the Paul’s Place building; and $500,000 for repair and renovation of 35 homes in the Washington Village/Pigtown community.

Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

$35,000 / 2011 / Education
For support of the Music Teacher Mentoring Program for first- and second-year elementary and middle school teachers in Baltimore City public schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Special attention is given on a one-to-one basis to lesson planning, delivery of lessons, teaching of rhythm, tone, instrument care, and classroom management strategies.

Pimlico Road Youth Program

$33,500 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of the after-school program and summer camp serving at-risk children and youth in the Pimlico/Park Heights community. The program operates five days a week and provides support for homework, reading, arts activities, computers, Spanish, general science, technology, engineering, and math. A hot meal is provided daily.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.