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

Center for Urban Families

$300,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support of STRIVE Baltimore, a job training and placement service for men and women. In a three-week intensive workshop focusing on job readiness, the STRIVE model emphasizes attitudinal training, job placement, post-placement support, one-on-one and group counseling, parenting skills, and case management.

CASA of Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued funding of the Baltimore Worker Employment Center for day laborers and low-income workers. The formal hiring center offers a safe and organized way to help workers find jobs in construction, landscaping, home improvement, sanitation, and other day-to-day low-skilled physical labor-intensive jobs. The center provides a place to receive workplace rights education, health and safety training, legal counseling, basic vocational training, and identification cards.

Baltimore Healthcare Access

$50,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
Toward the implementation of the EarnBenefits Baltimore Program in the Baltimore City Detention Center. Baltimore Health Care Access will serve 487 Baltimore City Detention Center inmates for benefit eligibility.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$5,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support of a part-time staff position to facilitate the Workforce Development Affinity Group.

Art with a Heart, Inc.

$20,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For support and expansion of the 2009 Summer Job Program, a visual arts program for 30 at-risk youth in the Rose Street community. As part of the six-week summer work experience, the students created art pieces, including decoupage furniture and mosaics for sale at Artscape.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.