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 Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$400,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
Seventh-year funding of STRIVE Baltimore, a comprehensive job training and placement program for unemployed men and women. STRIVE prepares participants for the workforce through a three-week workshop that focuses on job readiness. Services include job placement, one-on-one and group counseling, and case management.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$125,092 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For support of the Child Support Intervention Project, a job training program to help low-income noncustodial fathers meet their child support obligations. The goals of the program are to link 60 noncustodial fathers to the labor force, ensure that fathers retain employment by providing follow-up support services, assist fathers to re-establish and maintain positive relationships with children and families, and advocate for changes in child support policies and practices.

The Chesapeake Rivers Association

$5,000 / 2005 / Environment
For support of the Severn Riverkeeper Program’s effort to protect, preserve, and restore the Severn River. With a designated riverkeeper on staff, the association is in a stronger position to attract volunteers for monitoring and restoration, and to build scientific and outreach programming.

The Conservation Fund

$100,000 / 2005 / Environment
For continued implementation of the Technical Assistance Program, now serving five selected counties and their planning boards. The goal is to develop plans designed to ensure balance of smart growth with prudent conservation. Building on the award-winning model for the town of Vienna, MD, the Fund encourages planning that ensures economic viability while protecting landscapes, aquatic resources, woodlands, and wildlife.

The Ingenuity Project

$400,000 / 2005 / Education
In support of the 2005-2006 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for 464 Baltimore City public elementary, middle, and high school students. Its purpose is to identify and develop nationally competitive math, science, and engineering students. In an effort to expand middle school enrollment, Ingenuity opened a program at Mt. Royal Elementary/Middle School in fall of 2005.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.