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

University of Maryland at College Park

$31,383 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For a study assessing the effectiveness of reverse commuting as a strategy for low-income job seekers to access job opportunities in outlying areas of Baltimore City. The effort includes technical assistance to the West Baltimore Empowerment Zone Village Centers, assisting them in determining results, and in identifying areas of job access and retention in Howard County. University of Maryland.

Suited to Succeed

$10,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
General support to provide professional attire and career support services to Baltimore City women making the transition from welfare to work.

Southern Maryland Food Bank

$25,300 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a refrigerated truck to transport perishable surplus and reusable food items from the Maryland Food Bank in Baltimore to the hungry in Southern Maryland.

Shepherd’s Clinic

$35,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Continued funding to provide primary medical and dental care to uninsured persons in Baltimore City.

Second Chance Project, Inc.

$75,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Recidivist Intervention Project Initiative for female and male ex-offenders. The program provides assistance with a job search, job training, GED classes, referrals to transitional housing, and mentoring.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.