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

I Can’t We Can, Inc.

$191,658 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For the acquisition and renovation of three houses in West Baltimore to house recovering addicts participating in a 60-day detoxification program.

I Can, Inc.

$20,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For an architectural study for significant upgrades for a school building that has been converted into an emergency shelter to provide meals, education, and counseling for homeless persons in the Greenmount community.

Homeless Persons Representation Project

$5,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For research of criminal records legislation and assessment of the efficacy of state laws in New York, Pennsylvania, and California that require employers to treat ex-offenders fairly.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$100,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For support of Bridges to Work, a job access and reverse commute transportation program bringing inner-city dwellers to jobs in the suburbs. The model program, designed for residents in East Baltimore, offers clients comprehensive services including assessments, work readiness, job development, placement services, and reliable van transportation to and from job sites 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$25,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For a revolving loan fund for the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s computer training course attended by the Rose Street Community Center’s drug treatment and job training participants.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.