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

1000 Friends of Maryland

$80,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Two-year funding to advance education on comprehensive land use and transportation policy reform at state and local levels. 1000 Friends of Maryland advocates for statewide policies that address land use and transportation planning, and focus on promoting infill and redevelopment, and promote land conservation and protection of sensitive areas and farmland.

A Few Good Men and Women, Inc. (AFGMW)

$20,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For a supportive housing program to assist recovering addicts and ex-offenders. AFGMW offers recovery support and links to mental-health services, job-readiness training, literacy and GED preparation, and self-help groups.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the cost of hiring a full-time Volunteer Maryland coordinator to assist in new program development, linking residence to employment services, and reaching out to develop new community partners and relationships.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$75,000 / 2008 / Education
For continued support of the Baltimore City Education Reform Project. The purpose of the project is to represent the interests of disadvantaged students in Baltimore City, by ensuring increased operating and capital funding, and continued academic reform. ACLU will monitor the Baltimore City Public School Systems’ budget allocations to assess whether increased expenditures are translating into academic improvements.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$34,200 / 2008 / Education
For a study of the costs of financing public school renovation and new construction projects in Baltimore City. The study will identify innovative strategies to develop new revenue sources and address the issue of deteriorating school buildings.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.