Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Maryland Office of Employment Development

$5,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For support of the YouthWorks 2009 summer jobs program.

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support and expansion of job training programs for unemployed and underemployed youth and adults in Baltimore City. The center recruits and trains individuals for positions in healthcare and other high growth/high shortage industries.

Job Opportunities Task Force

$50,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For support of the Baltimore CASH Campaign, an initiative to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), now expanded to 20 free tax preparation sites. The campaign identifies EITC-eligible populations and connects them to asset building resources including benefits screening through the EarnBenefits software, college financial aid filing assistance, and credit-repair counseling.

Job Opportunities Task Force

$47,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
Toward renovation costs of 812 North Rose Street to accommodate four additional beds for disadvantaged residents transitioning into the workforce. The program provides on-the-job training and real-world construction experience for six JumpStart program graduates.

Harbor City Services, Inc.

$15,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
Toward general operating costs of a document management, moving/storage, and warehouse business providing sheltered employment to Baltimore City residents with psychiatric disabilities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.