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?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us an LOI

Ready to Apply for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.

$30,000 / 2008 / Environment
For continued support of collaboration between the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association, Herring Run Watershed Association, and the Jones Falls Watershed Association. The center provides technical expertise to the local watershed associations with the implementation of water quality improvements, storm water retrofits, detection of illicit discharge, and downspout disconnection demonstration projects.

Audubon Maryland-DC

$32,000 / 2008 / Environment
For continued support of educational services at the Audubon Center in Patterson Park. Collaboration with the Friends of Patterson Park has helped to change the perception of safety issues in the park and has contributed to increased visitation and utilization. Working closely with neighborhood schools, Audubon’s curriculum-based programs, linked to Maryland State Standards, enhance the in-school science program by using the park as an outdoor laboratory. These school activities are supplemented by a series of after-school programs.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$60,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For continuation of an initiative to provide 30 reliable, reconditioned, and Maryland-inspected cars to low-income persons in Baltimore City. Partnering with community-based organizations, Vehicles for Change enables individuals to drive to work and transport their families to essential destinations.

South Baltimore Learning Center

$22,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
Toward a literacy skills program for adults at the Eastside Career Center. The program enables students to advance at least one grade level by the end of the first 72-hour session. After completing the second session, students are referred to other employment training programs.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn Program, a job training readiness program at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center, integrating adult education services with job training, placement, and post-placement services. Learn to Earn offers specialized training in child care, medical terminology, certified nursing assistance, culinary arts, administrative assistance, and computer technology.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.