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

The Men’s Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
To hire a fund-raising consultant to assist with renovations for expansion of meeting space and the food distribution area.

The Men’s Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For the purchase of a vehicle, insurance coverage, and related expenses for the Fresh Food Recovery Program. The vehicle is to be used to collect day-old food from farmers’ markets and redistribute the food to area soup kitchens and other community-based organizations serving approximately 2,000 people each week.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$50,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore CASH Campaign, an initiative to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free tax preparation services. Its goal is to complete at least 7,000 tax refunds for low-income taxpayers who are eligible to receive the EITC refunds. The campaign will focus on promoting asset development strategies, including the directing of refunds to individual bank accounts and savings for homeownership and post-secondary education tuition.

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (MCAT)

$75,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support and expansion of job training programs for unemployed and underemployed youth and adults in Baltimore City. The center has developed customized health care and customer service training programs that consist of classroom training, employer-specific training, and paid internships. MCAT plans to recruit and train at least 160 individuals for positions in health care and other industries, and to maintain high placement and retention rates for all graduates.

Legal Aid Bureau, Inc.

$75,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Child Support/Barriers to Employment Project, an initiative to address the financial needs of noncustodial parents with child support obligations. The project will provide individual representation to at least 200 noncustodial parents and work with the Child Support Enforcement Administration to identify and implement changes in polices and practices so that case managers act in the best interests of the children.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.