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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity

$115,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For the cost of renovation and reconstruction of seven houses in the Waverly and Pen Lucy communities. The object of the effort is to eliminate the negative influence of vacant housing and to increase the stability of the community.

Center for Poverty Solutions

$60,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
In support of direct feeding programs in regional soup kitchens, food pantries, and other emergency food centers.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$18,600 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For support of a conference, “Baltimore Summit: The Role of Fathers/Men in the Lives of Children, Family, Community and the Workforce.”

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$400,500 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For second-year funding of STRIVE/Baltimore, a job readiness and placement service for men and women. The three-week program prepares participants for the workforce through a highly structured workshop which focuses on the development of attitude modification and job readiness skills for entry-level employment. Core services also include targeted job placement with long-term follow-up, one-on-one and group counseling, advocacy, and case management.

BUILD Fellowship, Inc.

$5,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
A planning grant to determine the feasibility of providing staffing services to firms in the construction industries for BUILD’s Solidarity Sponsoring Committee Employment Agency (SSC). The purpose of SSC is to help low-wage workers gain access to better jobs and higher wages, and to have the opportunity to ensure wage equity.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.