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

Waverly Main Street

$93,400 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward a Master Plan and commercial district services to improve sanitation and the appearance of the Waverly commercial district.

Year Up Washington, Inc.

$200,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support and expansion of the Year Up Baltimore program, a workforce development initiative for up to 64 at-risk young adults ages 18 to 24 in Baltimore City. Year Up provides one year of information technology training. During the first six months of the program, participants are paid weekly stipends and attend classes. For the next six months, students are placed in paid internships and are then assisted in finding professional level jobs.

YMCA of Central Maryland

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the TEDx Baltimore conference.

YMCA of Central Maryland

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
For the purchase of Core Knowledge preschool home instruction workbooks for Head Start students at the All Saints site.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$80,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Two-year funding in support of land use and transportation policy reform at the state and local levels, and an initiative to “Keep Farmers Farming.” A public agenda will be created by 1000 Friends to encourage the redevelopment of existing communities; advocate for the preservation of the state’s remaining open spaces, and agriculture and forest lands; and develop Smart Growth transit and transportation plans.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.