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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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

Tahirih Justice Center

$50,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for Tahirih Justice Center, which provides free immigration and family law legal services and social services coordination to survivors of gender-based violence in Greater Baltimore and Maryland.

Learn More

Teach For America Baltimore

$125,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of Teach For America’s efforts to find, develop, and support equity-oriented leaders to commit at least two years of teaching to high needs classrooms in Baltimore City.

Learn More

The Work First Foundation

$200,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of providing employment services to returning citizens and an alternative to incarceration for those awaiting trial.

Learn More

Turnaround Tuesday, Inc.

$125,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of Turnaround Tuesday, which focuses on finding and creating quality jobs –that pay over $16 per hour, offer medical and vacation benefits, and provide a career pathway — for over 200 Baltimore residents.

Learn More

Waterkeepers Chesapeake

$35,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of staff and research expenses associated with efforts to examine and recommend changes to Maryland’s environmental enforcement, specifically as it relates to water pollution and water quality.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.