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

University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation

$100,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry’s Oral Health for Uninsured and Under-served Children program, which provides free dental services to low-income children who lack health insurance.

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Venture for America

$185,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of recruiting, selecting, and training Venture for America (VFA) Fellows for two-year fellowships with entrepreneurs and companies in Baltimore’s start-up ecosystem. By attracting talent, particularly among people of color and women, VFA strengthens and diversifies the local entrepreneurial economy.

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Baltimore Corps

$125,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staff and operational costs for the Campaign for Citywide Service, an effort to respond to the needs and challenges facing the city and its residents who are looking for meaningful and emerging employment opportunities.

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Baltimore Robotics League, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$100,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of coach stipends, equipment costs, and tournament fees for the Baltimore Robotics League, a citywide initiative providing competitive robotics to nearly 500 students.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$20,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staffing and programming costs for seven nonprofit organizations based in Southeast Baltimore that are employing summer YouthWorks participants to build skills, increase job and career readiness, and encourage leadership potential.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.