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 Community Kitchen

$109,843 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Job Placement Transportation Service Program, to provide interim transportation for people seeking interviews and participating in job training. The transportation service is available to those working at job sites through one pay period, and before they have had the opportunity to access other modes of transportation, such as Bridges to Work.

Maryland Community Kitchen

$145,835 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For repairs, renovations, and related expenses of relocating to the former Haussner’s Restaurant in Highlandtown. Maryland Community Kitchen is a provider of nutritionally appropriate meals and nutrition counseling to people with special dietary needs, or at risk of going hungry. The new facility will also serve as a job training center in culinary arts skills for unemployed or underemployed persons.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

$63,623 / 2000 / Community Development
For continued support of the Live Near Your Work program, in partnership with Citizens Planning and Housing Association. The purpose of the program is to provide financial incentives for employees who purchase homes in neighborhoods near their workplace.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

$5,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Toward the cost of a marketing and fiscal feasibility plan for the proposed expansion of the Senator Theatre.

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

$30,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of the After-Care Program, a family planning program for women released from the Baltimore City Detention Center.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.