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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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore Corps

$125,000 / 2024 / Community Development

In support of general operating costs to facilitate community-centered impact. Baltimore Corps focuses on early- and mid-career talent and emerging social entrepreneurs and drives resources to historically disinvested organizations and leaders of color.

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Baltimore Kids Chess League Inc.

$65,000 / 2024 / Education

In support of the 2024-2025 after-school chess program for nearly 1,700 K-12th grade students in over 50 City Schools.

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Baltimore Police Department

$15,000 / 2024 / Workforce Development

In support of the Cadet Driving License Pilot Program, which will provide 15 cadets with driver training and licensing.

Baltimore Tree Trust

$75,000 / 2024 / Environment

In support of a pilot project to train neighborhood forester crews in wood salvage and reuse from trees removed from right-of-way in partnership with the Baltimore City forestry division.

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CASH Campaign of Maryland

$100,000 / 2024 / Workforce Development

In support of the CASH Campaign of Maryland to operate at least eight free tax preparation sites, providing 8,500 low-income individuals and families living in Baltimore with access to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and asset-building services.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.