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

The Urban Alliance Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward support of a workforce development initiative to serve low-income youth in Baltimore City. In partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Urban Alliance serves 15 youth, ages 18 to 21, who are aging out of foster care, and provides paid internship opportunities to help increase the youths’ work skills. At least nine youth will be placed into unsubsidized employment, or enrolled into postﾭsecondary education or training programs.

The Woman’s Industrial Exchange

$66,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For a full building systems analysis, energy-efficiency improvements, and renovations.

The Work First Foundation

$400,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore Ex Offender Re-entry Employment Program for America Works of Maryland participants. The program aims to place 400 ex-offenders into jobs paying an average of $8.50 an hour. The program will help those placed into jobs retain employment for up to 180 days.

Theodore House, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward utility bills and moving expenses for a supportive housing program in Baltimore City for homeless persons with HIV and/or in recovery from substance abuse.

Towson University Foundation

$50,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Oral Health Intervention Program serving up to 200 homeless persons at the Helping Up Mission. Students and faculty from the University of Maryland Dental School conduct on-site oral health screenings with follow-up care provided at the dental school. Towson University nursing students provide oral health education and case management assistance to ensure that clients get to their follow-up appointments. The work is undertaken by volunteer dentists, dental students, and nursing students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.