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

Second Chance Project, Inc.

$85,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding to create a revenue-producing business that employs ex-offenders participating in the Second Chance program.

St. Ambrose Family Outreach Center

$5,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For purchase of food for the institution’s soup kitchen and emergency food pantry for people in need in lower Park Heights.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$100,000 / 2002 / Community Development
In support of expenses related to the St. Ambrose Legal Services initiative to fight predatory real estate practices in Baltimore City.

Sylvan Beach Foundation, Inc.

$111,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For the expansion of the Sylvan Beach Cafe and Ice Cream Company, set up as an entrepreneurial endeavor to provide employment for ex-offenders. Modeled after the Delancy Street Foundation in San Francisco that provides career and ownership opportunities, the Sylvan Beach Foundation operates on the principles of project-based learning, high expectations, earned responsibility and privileges, peer leadership and community living.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$100,000 / 2002 / Education
For the continuation of an initiative to recruit, train and provide ongoing support for 85 new Teach For America corps members. These recent college graduates, who make a two-year commitment to teach in Baltimore City public schools, are also offered an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching at Johns Hopkins University.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.