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

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For continued support of rehabilitation services for ex-offenders, adults recovering from substance abuse, and at-risk youth. The center provides transitional housing and case management to as many as 32 men per week, providing them with employment opportunities, stipends for living expenses, and referrals to drug-treatment and job-training programs. An average of 45 young adults (half of whom are homeless) participate in mental health counseling, on-site GED classes, homework assistance, and art activities. Daily peer mediation sessions are offered in an effort to help reduce gang-related crime.

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

$5,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
In support of the YouthWorks 2008 summer jobs program. This six-week program enables more than 6,000 young people to gain work experience in a variety of worksites, from community service initiatives at local nonprofit organizations to private employers and city agencies.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$50,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore CASH Campaign, an initiative designed to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and free tax preparation services. The goal, utilizing creative marketing strategies, is to prepare at least 14,000 tax returns and initiate a financial counseling hotline.

Job Opportunities Task Force

$5,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
Toward support of the Baltimore Food Service and Lodging Sector study, which will provide an overview of the employment outlook of the sector; a description of types of employment opportunities available to Baltimore City residents; a discussion of challenges and opportunities regarding job quality, retention, and advancement; and information regarding careers.

GROUP Ministries, Inc .

$105,370 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For the purchase of a house in the Rosemont community, and to provide job training for ex-offenders engaged in the renovation work of that house. GROUP Ministries plans to train 20 to 30 men in carpentry, drywall, and painting in preparation for pre-journeyman status. The house, once completed, will be used as a transitional group home for ex-offenders in recovery.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.