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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 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

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$50,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign. The initiative, a free income tax preparation service, is designed to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a work incentive and poverty-alleviation tool. Its goal is to increase the number of tax returns prepared for low-income taxpayers eligible to receive the EITC tax refunds. The campaign will focus on asset development strategies, including targeting refunds toward individual development accounts, savings for homeownership, and tuition.

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (MCAT)

$37,500 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For support of the Customized Customer Service CVS training program for entry-level positions at CVS pharmacies. The goal of the program is to recruit, select, and train 150 individuals; CVS is committed to hiring at least 150 new employees.

Legal Aid Bureau, Inc.

$100,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
Sixth-year funding of the Child Support/Barriers to Employment Project, an initiative designed to address the financial needs of noncustodial parents with child support obligations. The program provides individual representation to at least 200 noncustodial parents, addressing systemic problems within the child support enforcement system.

The Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies

$70,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
Third-year funding for staffing costs of a Senior Research Analyst position for the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board. The analyst will determine the effectiveness of the ex-offender Re-Entry Center at Mondawmin Mall.

Homeless Persons Representation Project

$300,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
Two grants for continued support of an initiative designed to reduce employment discrimination against ex-offenders in Maryland, by promoting legal representation for Baltimore City ex-offenders, and helping to remove past convictions from the records. The program educates ex-offenders about the ramifications of their criminal records, sentencing procedures, probation and parole, and waiver of filing fees.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.