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

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore Inc.

$50,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Beans and Bread Homeless Day Resource Center, which provides a range of supportive services for people experiencing homelessness, including two daily meals, case management, and connections to housing, health care, and employment services.

Learn More

STEM Champions of Baltimore Inc., Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$40,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of the STEM Champions Competition Clubs, which will engage 500 students in 40 middle and high schools in preparation for the National Science Olympiad.

Learn More

The Justice Policy Institute

$50,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Justice Policy Institute (JPI), which works to advance criminal justice reform in the State of Maryland. JPI will focus its efforts on research and education around parole and pretrial justice reform in Baltimore City.

Learn More

The Literacy Lab

$75,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of the Literacy Lab’s Pre-K and K-3 literacy interventions for at least 850 Baltimore students during the 2023-2024 school year.

Learn More

The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism

$100,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of the Baltimore Banner’s reporting and in-depth investigations around gun violence in Baltimore.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.