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

Year Up Washington, Inc.

$120,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development

For the implementation of the Year Up Baltimore Pilot Program, a workforce development initiative for at-risk young adults ages 18 to 24 in Baltimore City. By providing a core group of talented students to serve the Baltimore business community, Year Up will recruit and train 40 low-income young people for entry-level positions in information technology. At the same time, Year Up will build partnerships with Maryland colleges to provide academic credit for program participants.

Young Victorian Theatre Company

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
Toward a permanent endowment of a Gilbert and Sullivan acting company.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$20,000 / 2007 / Environment
Challenge grant for continued support of staffing and expenses related to the Partners for Open Space campaign, to ensure full funding for Program Open Space. The campaign will also ensure that Program Open Space funds are spent strategically through the development of targeted and ranked priorities: 1) discussion of the transfer tax revenues for new programs, such as operating needs of state parks and forests; and 2) the need to engage in a public debate about the important role of open space and ongoing protection of the state’s natural resources.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$77,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants for pre-development and renovation costs for a property to be used as a Single Room Occupancy facility to house recovering substance abusers. The newly renovated house, with its capacity to serve up to eight men, will be operated as an Oxford House, a democratically run, self-supporting, and drug-free facility. The residents will receive support and services from A Step Forward, Inc. until permanent housing becomes available.

Access Art, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Arts
Toward expenses of an art program for at-risk youth in the Pigtown and Morrell Park neighborhoods. The purpose of Access Art is to provide young children with creative resources that foster responsible citizenship and serve the community through projects such as murals in public spaces and anti-graffiti campaigns.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.