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

Latino Economic Development Center

$25,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of technical assistance and lending services to help business owners of color launch and expand their businesses, create jobs, and build wealth in underinvested communities in Baltimore.

Learn More

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

$100,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of New American Cities – Baltimore, assisting 50 immigrants and refugees with growing their careers in Baltimore and connecting them to skills training and employment.

Learn More

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$75,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of staff and operating expenses for the Housing Stability and Legacy Program, which provides full legal services to eligible Baltimore City homeowners.

Learn More

Modern Classrooms Project

$75,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of continued growth of the Modern Classrooms Project pilot in Baltimore, targeting an estimated 300 classrooms during the 2023-2024 school year.

Learn More

Morphology in Middle School Project, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$28,356 / 2023 / Education

In support of Science of Reading training for 12 Baltimore City middle school educators, who teach around 300 students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.