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

Beloved Community Services Corporation

$250,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of restoring the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Law Center to serve as the new home for the ROAR Center, which will provide victim services and legal assistance in the community.

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The Book Thing of Baltimore Inc.

$30,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of increasing organizational capacity and community access for The Book Thing, a community-run program that distributes nearly 150,000 books per year.

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Central Baltimore Partnership Inc.

$35,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of boosting makers and small-batch manufacturers and assessing vacant and underutilized industrial and commercial property capacity to increase the growth of a light industrial economy in Station North.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$60,000 / 2023 / Environment

In support of a campaign to promote clean energy, advance electrification of the building sector, and reduce climate pollution from greenhouse gases and fossil fuel infrastructure in and around Baltimore.

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Civic Works Inc.

$80,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of outreach and application assistance to increase low-income household participation in utility benefits, including water affordability, energy bill-pay assistance, and broadband access.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.