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

Black Women Build – Baltimore

$110,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of homebuyer incentives for Black women to purchase formerly vacant houses they help to renovate in West Baltimore. The initiative is intended to help Black women build carpentry and housing rehabilitation skills and enable wealth-building in communities that have historically been underinvested and undervalued.

Learn More

Charm City Care Connection

$50,000 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of continued operations of the Harm Reduction Drop-in Center (HRDC), which provides a safe space for people with substance use disorder to access needed services and support. The HRDC provides low-barrier and easy-to-access services, including syringe exchange, fentanyl test strip distribution, naloxone distribution, community meals, and case management.

Learn More

Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$85,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of a study analyzing the potential for additional offshore wind in Maryland and the Maryland Climate Justice Campaign to promote policies that benefit communities of color with low net wealth who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Learn More

Civic Works Inc.

$65,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of a pilot project to provide five low-income households with home electrification services by replacing gas appliances and heating systems with electric models that will support healthier homes, reduce energy consumption, and strengthen household finances.

Learn More

Community Mediation Program Inc. d/b/a Baltimore Community Mediation Center

$40,176 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Baltimore Community Mediation Center (BCMC). Since 1995, BCMC has provided mediation services and conflict resolution training at no cost to participants throughout Baltimore City.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.