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

Brennan Center for Justice

$25,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of a research project documenting the type of financial obligations ex-offenders face upon release from prison, and the difficulty of attempting a successful re-entry into the community. The findings, along with policy recommendations, will be compiled into a comprehensive report for national distribution.

BUILD Fellowship, Inc.

$15,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For rental assistance, renovations, operations, and outreach at a program serving men and women in residence recovering from substance abuse. The program provides 24-hour coverage with an onsite manager and case management team for the residents, as well as providing support for recovery, job training, job placement, and training to address family issues.

Business Interface, Inc.

$80,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
Seed funding to work with employers within the mining industry to create job opportunities for disadvantaged persons in Baltimore City. The CNX Marine Terminal, located at the Port of Baltimore, provides an opportunity to place and retain Baltimore residents in entry-level laborer positions in the transshipment of coal from rail to ocean-going vessels.

Caroline Center, Inc.

$50,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
Toward renovation costs to relocate the Caroline Center Upholstery shop to larger facilities. The additional space will enable the “earn-as-you-learn” upholstering business to increase the number of women trained, as well as to increase program revenue.

Carroll Museums, Inc.

$25,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Capital funding toward a major restoration of Carroll Mansion, shuttered from 1997 to 2002. The refurbishing will serve as a cornerstone for Jonestown’s renaissance. As part of the Heritage Walk, Carroll Mansion will expand its collaborations with neighboring cultural institutions and become a venue for community gatherings and cultural events.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.