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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

North East Housing Initiative

$25,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of efforts to convert long-time renters into homeowners, avoid involuntary displacement and increase housing stability, and provide low- and moderate-income households with the opportunity to build limited equity through ownership of vacant houses redeveloped under a Community Land Trust model.

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Roberta’s House Inc.

$65,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of hiring a data specialist to strengthen Roberta’s House’s data collection, analysis, and reporting system to improve programs, make data-informed decisions, and support future research and evaluation efforts.

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Roca Inc.

$250,000 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of the capital campaign to purchase and renovate Roca Baltimore’s building at 880 Park Avenue in the Mt. Vernon Historic District. Owning the building will help ensure a sound financial future for the work of Roca Baltimore and support its further programmatic expansion in Baltimore City.

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So What Else Inc.

$25,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of So What Else’s food rescue and distribution program, which operates weekly food distribution events at more than 20 sites throughout Baltimore City.

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University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation

$60,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of the Positive Schools Center’s efforts to build restorative schools by providing training, staff and leadership coaching, direct community supports, and technical assistance.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.