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

Mother Seton Academy

$25,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of general operations for Mother Seton Academy, a Baltimore City middle school serving nearly 90 students annually.

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Mount Vernon Virtuosi

$35,000 / 2022 / Arts

In support of staff costs associated with the growth of free community-centered concerts and music education initiatives in Baltimore City.

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NPower Inc.

$125,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of providing 150 low-income young adults and 50 military veterans with IT certification training and paid internships in the IT industry. Within one year of graduating, over 80% of program graduates are to be employed or pursuing higher education.

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Parks & People Foundation

$35,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of a newly reimagined Branches program focused on workforce development and green STEM career exploration for up to 80 high school students in Baltimore City.

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Sierra Club Maryland, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Philanthropy Network

$105,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of Climate Partners, a coalition of eight organizations that has combined forces to help implement ambitious climate policies under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.