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

Maryland Disability Law Center

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
For continued support of the CityWide Special Education Advocacy Project for Baltimore City public school students with disabilities. The project brings together diverse voices to discuss strategies that hold promise of making an impact on the delivery of special education services and outcomes in the areas of funding, discipline, high school completion, and transitional services.

Maryland Food Bank

$25,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support and expansion of the School Pantry Program to 84 Baltimore City public schools. In exchange for volunteering in the schools, needy parents receive free bags of food when their monthly food stamps run out. Over the course of the school year, counselors connect participating parents to other community resources and soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters in the immediate area. The parents are encouraged to attend nutrition education classes.

Maryland Historical Society

$7,500 / 2009 / Arts
Toward research, editorial, design, and printing costs of Joseph. L. Sterne’s book, Combat Correspondents: The Baltimore Sun in World War II.

Maryland Institute College of Art

$16,000 / 2009 / Education
Last Dollar support toward tuition and related fees for a Baltimore City public school graduate for the 2009-2010 school year.

Maryland Office of Employment Development

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

Header photo courtesy of Thread.