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

Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations

$5,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For the development of a policy paper on child support enforcement reform.

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc.

$75,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Challenge grant for relocation costs and expansion of welfare-to-work training programs. The center provides a 16-week training program, job placement, and job retention coaching for former welfare mothers required to move off the welfare rolls.

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc.

$22,314 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Fusion Learning Program in conjunction with the development of the Manufacturing Institute. This program provides training to Baltimore City public high school seniors and recent graduates to prepare them for careers in technology and manufacturing, in modules that include skill enhancements, customized training, wrap-around support, job placement, and retention services.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation

$5,000 / 2000 / Arts
For general support to promote the cultural arts in Baltimore City and throughout Maryland.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$100,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services

For continued support of a grassroots coalition to educate Maryland citizens and policy makers about the need for universal health coverage in the state.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.