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

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$55,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
Eighth-year funding for the continuation of an initiative that provides reliable, reconditioned, and Maryland-inspected cars to low-income residents in Baltimore City. Partnering with community-based organizations, Vehicles for Change enables individuals to drive themselves and their families to essential destinations.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn Program, a job- training readiness program at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. The program, integrating adult educational services, job-training, and placement services, plans to place 200 residents annually into employment.

Seedco (Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation)

$100,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a Web-based initiative providing assistance to low-wage workers and individuals in accessing benefits and income supports. The program is designed to streamline eligibility screening for benefits, application submission, and tracking of submitted applications. Four sites in Baltimore will be identified to launch the program for Baltimore residents. The benefits include the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, the Maryland Insurance Plan and Children’s Health Program, and the federal Food Stamp Program.

Second Chance Project, Inc.

$25,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of an initiative to help more than 337 ex-offenders obtain identification, including Social Security cards, Motor Vehicle Administration identification cards, and birth certificates at the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development’s Re-entry Center at Mondawmin Mall.

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of rehabilitation services for ex-offenders, adults recovering from substance abuse, and at-risk youth. The center provides transitional housing and case management to as many as 30 men per week, linking them to employment opportunities, providing stipends for living expenses, and referring them to drug treatment and job training programs. At-risk youth are provided with opportunities for after-school and community activities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.