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

Vehicles for Change Inc.

$200,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of providing 50 previously incarcerated individuals with paid work experience in car repair at Vehicle for Change’s Full Circle Service Center. Program graduates are placed into jobs as certified automotive mechanics, earning at least $17 per hour.

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Venture For America

$185,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of costs related to recruiting, selecting, training, and placing a diverse cohort of 16-20 Venture for America Fellows with some of the 400+ startup companies and entrepreneurship support organizations in Baltimore in 2023.

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Y of Central Maryland

$75,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of New Horizons II, a year-round program supporting internships and wraparound supports to 46 Baltimore City participants.

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Arts for Learning Maryland

$40,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of capacity building at three new community school sites.

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Baltimore Community ToolBank

$15,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of staff costs associated with the lending of tools and equipment to community based member organizations for a nominal fee. Items are typically used for community clean-ups, beautification, festivals, and other projects.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.