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

Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering

$150,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of the Baltimore Healthcare Innovator Retention fellowships to retain talented Johns Hopkins University biomedical engineering graduates to continue work on promising innovations that address critical healthcare challenges. The goals are to accelerate commercially marketable product development, attract investment, create companies, and generate local employment.

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Inc.

$25,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Food Access and Support Services Team project, which is designing an electronic referral mechanism that will enable healthcare providers to refer patients who have nutrition-related health conditions to nutrition support service providers.

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Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc.

$86,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staff and project expenses associated with the Tax Sale Prevention Project. This project provides legal assistance, recourse information, and education to Baltimore City homeowners at risk of foreclosure to delinquent real property taxes.

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Public Justice Center, Inc.

$150,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of legal services and advocacy to advance tenants’ rights to safe, habitable housing; prevent evictions; and increase housing security. The Public Justice Center provides full legal representation to tenants in court eviction proceedings and policy advocacy to challenge unjust practices that have a systemic impact on Baltimore renters.

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Public Justice Center, Inc.

$50,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Health and Benefits Rights project, which seeks to expand access to appropriate, affordable, and culturally competent healthcare and social services. This project currently focuses on expanding access to doula care, interpretation and translation, and medical debt restitution.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.