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

Food & Water Watch

$30,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of Food & Water Watch’s efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the “Water4All Affordability Program,” a percentage-of-income water assistance program for low-income residents in Baltimore City.

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Fund for Educational Excellence

$50,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of general operations for the Fund for Educational Excellence, an organization that supports public education through its fundraising and collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools, convening of stakeholders, and serving as a fiscal sponsor to education non-profits.

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iMentor Baltimore

$80,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of iMentor Baltimore’s expansion to a third site and the continued development of the post-secondary pathways program, which will serve more than 300 mentees.

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Initiative for a Competitive Inner City Inc.

$40,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections and Building for Growth “Mini MBA” training programs, which are designed to increase access to capital, increase revenues, and create jobs for women- and BIPOC-owned businesses.

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Institute for Energy & Environmental Research

$35,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of an equity study on Maryland’s energy transition that centers adoption by low-income households. The study will propose alternatives to current energy policy and investments to accelerate electrification of homes, prevent high consumer cost burdens, and better address the climate crisis.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.