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 Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$50,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Maryland Book Bank’s plan to equip three evidence-based high-dosage tutoring programs in Baltimore with books matched to each student’s individual reading ability and interest.

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The Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$45,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of general operating costs and books for the home library project, serving about 9,250 children and distributing about 185,000 books during the 2022-2023 school year.

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The Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$60,000 / 2025 / Education

In support of general operations for the Maryland Book Bank, which distributes around 520,000 books annually to families throughout Baltimore including 200,000 books to students through the Home Library Project.

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The Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$60,000 / 2024 / Education

In support of general operating costs and books for the home library project and high-dosage tutoring partnerships.

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The Maryland Book Bank, Inc.

$75,000 / 2019 / Education

With a goal to distribute 550,000 books in 2020, the Maryland Book Bank bridges the literacy gap through increased access to quality age-appropriate books in homes, school classrooms, and community program settings. Operating out of the new Baltimore Warehouse Collaborative in Clipper Mill, The Book Bank distributes new and donated books through two Bookmobiles, a Home Library program in 27 City schools, and open warehouse hours for families and educators. Its social enterprise that sells donated adult books of value and trains warehouse employees generates $80,000 of revenue annually.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.