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?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us an LOI

Ready to Apply for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Holy Nativity and St. John’s Development Corporation

$50,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of Conscious Heads’ Barbering Boot Camp, which provides 25 young people ages 13 to 24 with barbering training, as well as paid work experience and test preparation to become licensed barbers.

Improving Education

$75,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of the All Children Reading initiative at five South Baltimore Head Start centers and teacher supports in pre-kindergarten classrooms at four Baltimore City schools.

Learn More

Innovation Works Inc.

$50,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staff costs associated with expanding Innovation Works’ efforts to support social entrepreneurs in Baltimore City.

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The Justice Policy Institute

$50,000 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Justice Policy Institute (JPI), which works to advance criminal justice reform in the State of Maryland. JPI will focus its efforts on research and education around parole and pretrial justice reform in Baltimore City.

Learn More

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$75,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staff and operating expenses for the Housing Stability and Legacy program.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.