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

Seedco (Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation)

$100,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a Web-based initiative providing assistance to low-wage workers and individuals in accessing benefits and income supports. The program is designed to streamline eligibility screening for benefits, application submission, and tracking of submitted applications. Four sites in Baltimore will be identified to launch the program for Baltimore residents. The benefits include the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, the Maryland Insurance Plan and Children’s Health Program, and the federal Food Stamp Program.

Second Chance Project, Inc.

$25,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of an initiative to help more than 337 ex-offenders obtain identification, including Social Security cards, Motor Vehicle Administration identification cards, and birth certificates at the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development’s Re-entry Center at Mondawmin Mall.

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of rehabilitation services for ex-offenders, adults recovering from substance abuse, and at-risk youth. The center provides transitional housing and case management to as many as 30 men per week, linking them to employment opportunities, providing stipends for living expenses, and referring them to drug treatment and job training programs. At-risk youth are provided with opportunities for after-school and community activities.

Moveable Feast, Inc.

$25,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Culinary Arts and Life Skills Training Program for hard-to-place unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents. The 12-week skilled job-training program is offered to 48 students a year. The program’s curriculum includes CPR, first aid, and food handling. Graduates interested in pursuing employment in entry-level food service positions are placed in jobs that pay at least $8.50 an hour, plus benefits.

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development.

$477,250 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Ex-Offender Re-entry Center at Northwest Career Center, located at the Mondawmin Mall. The center offers transitional support and employment-related services to more than 5,600 ex-offenders in an effort to reduce recidivism. In addition to providing employment-related services, the center will ensure that those served will have identification documents and referrals to housing, substance abuse, health care, and legal services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.