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

Sylvan Beach Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Toward four-month operating funding during the transition to the opening of the Foundation’s new Mt. Washington ice cream shop, a job training program for ex-offenders.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$100,000 / 2003 / Education
For the continued support of recruitment, training, and professional development for Teach For America Corps members in Baltimore City public schools. These recent college graduates make a two-year commitment and are offered an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching at The Johns Hopkins University.

The Baltimore Algebra Project

$5,000 / 2003 / Education
In support of the summer training/planning session for the Math Literacy Workers program for the 2003-2004 school year.

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.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.