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

North East Housing Initiative

$25,000 / 2023 / 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.

Learn More

Pro Bono Counseling Project

$30,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for Pro Bono Counseling, which matches low-income Maryland residents with volunteer licensed mental health providers.

Learn More

Rose Street Community Center, Fiscally Sponsored by Southeast Community Development Corporation

$300,000 / 2023 / Workforce Development

In support of expanding Rose Street’s community cleanups to additional neighborhoods, while continuing to provide transitional housing, emergency shelter, and gang mediation.

Saint Luke’s Youth Center

$30,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of general operations for Saint Luke’s Youth Center’s community programs.

Learn More

ShareBaby

$55,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for ShareBaby, which addresses the basic needs of Baltimore’s most vulnerable young children through the distribution of diapers and other essential items.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.