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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
To provide tutoring, a meal plan, and related expenses for a former Baraka School student for the 2008-2009 school year.

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.

Catholic Charities

$500,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Project to Transform Lives program at My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (MSPWC) and for the Pathways to Hope Project at Our Daily Bread Employment Center (ODBEC). The programs are designed to expand basic services with on-site medical services and mental health treatment. MSPWC clients are encouraged to participate in budgeting, financial literacy, and adult education classes; ODBEC clients have the opportunity to participate in a variety of job training programs, including building maintenance, environmental services, commercial driver’s licenses, and weatherization tech training.

Center for Emerging Media

$5,000 / 2009 / Community Development
For general operating support of the Marc Steiner radio show. The daily interview format with selected guests, along with follow-up call-in questions, addresses timely topics of community interest.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.