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

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
For continued support and expansion of programs developed to integrate arts studies into the curriculum of Maryland’s public schools.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Education
For continued support of the Baltimore City Education Reform Project, designed to ensure that schools serving disadvantaged students receive equal funding and resources. The grant will also provide for monitoring of the Baltimore City Public School System’s budget allocations in an effort to assess the impact of increased expenditures on academic achievements.

Year Up Washington, Inc.

$120,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development

For the implementation of the Year Up Baltimore Pilot Program, a workforce development initiative for at-risk young adults ages 18 to 24 in Baltimore City. By providing a core group of talented students to serve the Baltimore business community, Year Up will recruit and train 40 low-income young people for entry-level positions in information technology. At the same time, Year Up will build partnerships with Maryland colleges to provide academic credit for program participants.

Humanim, Inc.

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

Seed funding for Reality Resource Group, a residential housing program providing support for four Baltimore City residents recovering from substance abuse.

Chesapeake Bay Trust

$25,000 / 2008 / Community Development

Toward the Urban Greening Initiative designed to help meet Baltimore City’s goal to expand the green cover in urban areas and double the tree canopy in 30 years. This grant will help fund the planting of 4,500 to 5,000 trees; provide technical assistance and support to nine low- and moderate-income neighborhoods participating in their competitive sub-grant process; and reach out to other neighborhood organizations, encouraging them to work with and support grassroots and resident-based efforts.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.