Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Citizens Planning and Housing Association

$49,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing of an eviction reform initiative in Baltimore City. The initiative will study the legislative provisions and court processes with a view to reducing the number of evictions.

Children’s Rights Council

$5,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Safe Haven Access Visitation Center at the Providence Baptist Church The Center, assisting children of separated, divorced and never-married parents, creates a supervised situation where the parents can coordinate court ordered visitations of their children in a safe environment. Referrals are made through the courts, attorneys, counselors, mediators and social workers.

Center for Poverty Solutions

$50,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
For expansion of the Baltimore City Public School Pantry Program. The goal is to supplement families’ food budgets while at the same time encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s education. In exchange for volunteering in the schools, parents are eligible to attend classes on nutrition, budgeting, and economic meal planning, and to receive free food once a month.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$68,516 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
In support of the JumpStart Electrical Training Program. The 40-hour, one-week course is designed to train STRIVE graduates to become electricians’ helpers. STRIVE’s goal is to train 40 participants and place 32 graduates into employment, and enroll JumpStart graduates in the Associated Builders and Contractors Apprentice Program.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$350,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Fifth-year funding of the STRIVE Baltimore Program, a comprehensive job training and placement service for unemployed and underemployed men and women. The three-week program prepares participants for the workforce through workshops that focus on attitude modification and the development of job readiness skills. Core services include job placement with long-term follow-up, one-on-one and group counseling, and case management.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.