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

The Work First Foundation

$200,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of helping returning citizens find employment, reducing their chances of being reincarcerated.

Learn More

The York Road Partnership, Fiscally Sponsored by GEDCO

$34,927 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of efforts improve the York Road commercial corridor in Greater Govans, such as reversing long-term disinvestment and creating a crowdfunding tool to raise local, community capital for acquisition, renovation, ownership, and leasing of vacant and under-utilized commercial buildings in adjacent neigborhoods.

Learn More

Thread Inc.

$400,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of general operating expenses for Thread, which will serve 880 young people during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Learn More

UEmpower of Maryland

$40,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Food Project, which aims to increase food security and provide transitional employment for opportunity youth in Southwest Baltimore.

Learn More

University of Maryland, Baltimore

$300,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of the Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, which offers mentoring and wraparound services for 20 youth held and released from the Baltimore Juvenile Justice Center.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.