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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore Community Lending, Inc.

$80,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of loan officer and business assistance staffing costs and IT system upgrades, which will improve and expand small business access to capital for historically disenfranchised Black and Brown business owners and entrepreneurs.

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Baltimore Development Corporation

$75,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of the Opportunity Zone and Impact Investment Coordinator position, which gives Baltimore a competitive advantage in matching investors to local projects and financing sources and maximizing benefits to community residents and businesses.

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Baltimore Safe Haven

$60,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of Baltimore Safe Haven’s Genesis Project, which will provide housing and supportive services for TLGBQ youth in Baltimore who are experiencing homelessness.

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Baltimore Youth Arts, Fiscally Sponsored by Fusion Partnerships

$25,000 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for Baltimore Youth Arts (BYA), a creative entrepreneurship and job readiness program that provides opportunities to 50 young people, ages 14-21, annually. BYA focuses on youth who have contact with the juvenile justice system.

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Baltimore’s Promise, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$100,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of general operations for Baltimore’s Promise, including their work with literacy demonstration models, philanthropic funding collaboratives, the Grads2Careers program, and city-wide data compilation and analysis focused on youth.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.