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

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$50,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To support the Baltimore CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign. The initiative, a free income tax preparation service, is designed to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Its goal is to increase the number of tax returns prepared for low-income taxpayers eligible to receive the EITC.

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the development of a plan to guide the city toward a coordinated approach to the needs of Baltimore’s ex-offender population. The plan includes an evaluation of existing re-entry programs, feasibility of expanding programs, and consideration of consolidating existing resources into a one-stop center.

Mercy Health Services, Inc .

$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To help underwrite expenses related to the Supportive Housing Program and Family Violence Response Program designed to support homeless and low-income persons in Baltimore City. The program provides one-on-one and group counseling for shelter residents.

Midtown Community Benefits District, Inc.

$30,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Toward construction of the Mount Vernon Children’s Park on Calvert Street. This enhancement is designed to provide a safe recreational area for families living in the neighborhood.

Moveable Feast

$59,333 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Culinary Arts and Life Skills Training Program for unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents. Successful participants of the 12-week program, offered three times a year, receive certificates in culinary arts, CPR, first aid, and safe food handling. Graduates are placed in entry-level food service positions that pay $8.50 an hour, plus benefits.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.