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 Department of Juvenile Services

$50,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of the Thrive Academy, an initiative aimed at reducing gun violence among Maryland Department of Juvenile Services-involved youth through intensive community-based interventions.

Learn More

Maryland PIRG Foundation

$40,000 / 2023 / Environment

In support of the Smart Energy Solutions campaign to improve implementation of Maryland’s energy efficiency policies and programs to achieve greater and more equitable consumer and climate benefits.

Learn More

MEANS Database DBA FoodRecovery.org

$20,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of recovering food and decreasing food insecurity in Baltimore in collaboration with Sharing Excess.

MedStar Harbor Hospital

$135,224 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of MedStar Health’s Multi-Visit Patient Plus Program at Harbor Hospital, which aims to improve care coordination and health outcomes, as well as lower healthcare costs, for individuals who frequently use the emergency department.

Learn More

Per Scholas

$50,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of providing 150 residents with free IT training, with 85% graduating from the 15-week program and earning an industry-recognized credential, and 80% of those gaining employment with wages of $19 an hour.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.