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

Poverty & Race Research Action Council

$80,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of a research project looking at barriers to the development of affordable housing in racially and economically integrated areas in Maryland, focusing on the state’s administration of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Progressive Maryland Education Fund

$50,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of an education campaign, “Maryland’s Fiscal Crisis and Its Impact on Working Families.” The purpose of the 18-month education campaign and outreach strategy is to educate the public and policymakers about reductions in the state’s budget and the potential for the elimination or reduction of public services.

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$80,000 / 2011 / Education
For continued support of the Educational Stability Project designed to increase outcomes for Baltimore City public school students suffering disruption due to homelessness, and for those awaiting foster care placements. In collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools, the project includes hiring a director of homeless services; appointing a primary homeless services contact in each school to be trained to work with homeless students; monitoring test scores, attendance, graduation rates, and mobility; and evaluating compliance and student outcomes.

Ready at Five

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
For the cost of a consultant to prepare a Maryland Early Learning Challenge grant proposal, designed to help early childhood infrastructure in Maryland overcome school-readiness gaps.

Rebuilding Together Baltimore

$84,100 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of a program allowing for low-cost home repair services for 50 low-income senior and disabled homeowners, making it possible for them to remain in their homes in Baltimore City neighborhoods.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.