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

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
For support of educational programs for conservation voters in public policy decisions at the state and local levels. Through its role as a coordinator of the coalition of environmental groups and the use of its capacity-building tools such as the List Enhancement Program, the environmental Briefing Book, and Environmental Community Online System, the Education Fund helps the conservation community play a strong and more effective role in public health and conservation policy process at the state level.

Maryland PIRG Foundation

$15,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward the implementation of a statewide campaign to promote energy policies focused on efficiency and conservation. MaryPIRG will produce timely and relevant research on models for energy-efficiency and conservation programs and practices, including case studies with cost benefits, funding mechanisms, and best methods of program delivery. Such efforts will encourage the state to pursue energy policies that are consumer-oriented and environmentally sustainable.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$50,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Baltimore CASH Campaign, an initiative to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free tax preparation services. Its goal is to complete at least 7,000 tax refunds for low-income taxpayers who are eligible to receive the EITC refunds. The campaign will focus on promoting asset development strategies, including the directing of refunds to individual bank accounts and savings for homeownership and post-secondary education tuition.

Mental Health Policy Institute for Leadership and Training, Inc.

$40,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Poverty and Depression Initiative. The program provides educational services to low-income Baltimore City residents about mental health disorders and substance abuse issues at three sites: the Men’s Health Center, Healthy State, and Rose Street Community Center.

Minute By Minute, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

For roof repair and renovations to the basement of a long-term residential treatment facility that serves female ex-offenders in West Baltimore.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.