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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Roca Inc.

$500,000 / 2025 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of Roca Baltimore’s intensive, trauma-informed efforts to reduce gun violence and help offset recent federal funding cuts that threaten its outreach, behavioral health, and employment programs for the city’s highest-risk young men.

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Southeast Community Development Corporation

$40,000 / 2025 / Community Development

In support of client assistance funds paired with case management to prevent eviction and increase family stability among households with children in Southeast’s Community Schools, particularly immigrant households.

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Tahirih Justice Center

$50,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of Tahirih Justice Center’s general operations.

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UNITE HERE Mid Atlantic Training and Scholarship Fund

$50,000 / 2025 / Workforce Development

In support of training 50 Baltimore job seekers in culinary, housekeeping, cashier and server occupations, placing at least 80% into union positions paying an hourly wage of at least $18 per hour.

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University of Baltimore Foundation

$50,000 / 2025 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Center for Criminal Justice Reform, a trusted intermediary and policy partner advancing community-led efforts to reform Maryland’s criminal justice policies and practices.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.