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

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$55,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
Eighth-year funding for the continuation of an initiative that provides reliable, reconditioned, and Maryland-inspected cars to low-income residents in Baltimore City. Partnering with community-based organizations, Vehicles for Change enables individuals to drive themselves and their families to essential destinations.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn Program, a job- training readiness program at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. The program, integrating adult educational services, job-training, and placement services, plans to place 200 residents annually into employment.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.