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

The African American Festival Foundation

$5,000 / 2006 / Arts
In support of the 2006 festival, showcasing and celebrating the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans. The Festival attracts a local and national audience of more than 500,000 visitors.

The Baraka School, Inc.

$49,645 / 2006 / Education
For expenses associated with maintaining the school’s property in Kenya, East Africa. The Baraka School, now closed, was a boarding school serving underachieving Baltimore City middle school boys.

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.

The Community School, Inc.

$10,000 / 2006 / Education
To expand the academic and mentoring program of an alternative school in the Remington neighborhood. The funds will provide programming designed to increase enrollment of disadvantaged students and prepare them to complete high school and enter college.

The Hiding Place

$5,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of furnishings for a transitional facility to house young women and their children. During their nine-month stay, clients will receive meals, transportation, medical and mental health care, and training in parenting and life skills.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.