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

The Jacob France Institute

$19,300 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For support of a strategic planning project for funders investing in workforce development projects. The purpose of the project is to review private foundation workforce development investments and outcomes to help prioritize funding needs, inform any future investments, and identify joint funding opportunities.

Humanim, Inc.

$500,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
Capital funding toward the restoration of the American Brewery Brewhouse which will house Humanim’s vocational programs and staff, serving nearly 1,000 clients a year. Once the building is completed in spring 2009, Humanim plans to launch a pilot employment program to serve the residents of Broadway East.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$150,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support of an initiative designed to reduce housing and employment discrimination against ex-offenders in Maryland. The program will provide direct legal representation for Baltimore City ex-offenders, helping to expunge past arrests and convictions from criminal records. The program educates ex-offenders about the ramifications of their criminal records, sentencing procedures, and probation and parole.

Civic Works

$108,195 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For support of the B’more Green environmental job training program to serve unemployed or underemployed residents of Baltimore City. The training consists of a seven-week, 250-hour program of hands-on fieldwork and classroom study. Upon completion, the trainees will receive certification in lead abatement and First Aid/CPR, and training in hazardous-materials remediation, emergency response, environmental site assessment and sampling, ecological restoration, and storm water management.

Center for Urban Families

$750,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
Three-year capital funding for construction of a new headquarters and workforce development center in the Mondawmin neighborhood. The new headquarters will house STRIVE Baltimore, the Baltimore Responsible Fatherhood Project, and the Baltimore Building Strong Families Program. All three programs target families and individuals with histories of substance abuse, ex-offenders, and people who lack access to social support systems.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.