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

Job Opportunities Task Force

$100,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For support of JumpStart, a pre-apprenticeship program in the building and construction trades for 100 unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents referred by Goodwill Industries. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) provides 13 weeks of training, two nights a week, for three hours each night. Following a successful 90-day job placement in the building trades, a trainee can apply for a four-year apprenticeship with ABC.

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

$84,150 / 2006 / Workforce Development
To provide 60 low-cost used cars through the Vehicles for Change program to families participating in the Special Mobility Housing Choice Voucher Program. The recipients will also receive funds for driver education training, licensing, and vehicle registration fees. The purpose of this initiative is to facilitate transportation to and from employment for low-income families who have moved to the suburbs and are poorly served by mass transit.

GROUP Ministries, Inc. Baltimore

$107,300 / 2006 / Workforce Development
Capital funding for the purchase of a house to provide job training in home renovations to ex-offenders. The arrangement allows GROUP Ministries to train 20 to 30 men as carpenters, electricians, and plumbing apprentices in preparation for pre-journeyman status. Once completed, the house will be used as a transitional group home for ex-offenders in recovery.

Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation

$60,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For support of Project EDGE, a program to encourage professional development in preparation for careers in health care. Training includes remedial coursework in math, reading, nursing skills, and computer skills.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development.

$450,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
Eighth-year funding for support of STRIVE Baltimore, a job training and placement service for unemployed or underemployed men and women. STRIVE prepares participants for the workforce through a three-week workshop that focuses on job readiness. The STRIVE model emphasizes attitudinal training, job placement, one-on-one and group counseling, parenting skills, and case management.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.