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 Baltimore Community Foundation, Inc.

$150,000 / 2000 / Community Development
To provide operating support for six nonprofit organizations participating in the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative in targeted Baltimore neighborhoods. The purpose of the initiative is to increase homeownership, to stabilize as well as increase market values of homes, and to enhance the ambiance of the neighborhoods.

The Baraka School, Inc.

$329,643 / 2000 / Education
Two grants for the consolidation of the Baraka School staff, and towards operating expenses for the 2000-2001 school year. The boarding school, located in Kenya, provides a residential academic program for 18 at-risk, underachieving Baltimore City middle-school boys.

The Carroll Park Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2000 / Arts
For interim operating expenses to support the expanded membership and marketing campaign of the Carroll Mansion in southwest Baltimore.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$400,500 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For second-year funding of STRIVE/Baltimore, a job readiness and placement service for men and women. The three-week program prepares participants for the workforce through a highly structured workshop which focuses on the development of attitude modification and job readiness skills for entry-level employment. Core services also include targeted job placement with long-term follow-up, one-on-one and group counseling, advocacy, and case management.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$18,600 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For support of a conference, “Baltimore Summit: The Role of Fathers/Men in the Lives of Children, Family, Community and the Workforce.”

Header photo courtesy of Thread.