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 Baltimore Community Foundation, Inc.

$150,000 / 2002 / Community Development
Continued funding for operating support of six nonprofit organizations participating in the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative in selected Baltimore City neighborhoods. The purpose of the initiative has been to increase homeownership, to stabilize and increase market values of homes, and to enhance the attractiveness of the neighborhoods.

The Book Thing of Baltimore, Inc.

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
For general support of expenses related to the distribution of free books to students and adults in Baltimore City.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$350,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Fourth-year funding of the STRIVE Baltimore Program, a comprehensive job training and placement service for unemployed and underemployed men and women. The intense three-week program prepares participants for the workforce through a highly-structured workshop that focuses on attitude modification and the development of job readiness skills. Core services also include job placement with long-term follow-up, one-to-one and group counseling, and case management.

The Chester River Association

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
Toward supporting the position of a riverkeeper, to serve as guardian of the Chester River charged with protecting its water quality and biodiversity from further degradation. As land use changes impact the watershed, the riverkeeper will maintain a public presence in planning efforts.

The Community Mediation Center

$5,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
In support of the acquisition of the Safe & Smart Center building housing the Community Mediation Program. The goal of the program is to reduce interpersonal and community violence by using nonviolent conflict resolutions strategies and making the mediation process more accessible to local residents.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.