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

Chesapeake Legal Alliance

$50,000 / 2023 / Environment

In support of building legal resources and working with Baltimore’s most vulnerable communities to address water pollution and reduce industrial discharge through enforcement of permits in compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Learn More

Civic Works Inc.

$200,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of staffing for Civic Works’ Energy Programs, which offer weatherization, home energy efficiency, and health and safety improvements to low- and moderate-income households at no cost through state implementation funding and local utility rebates.

Learn More

Conscious Venture Lab Novella Center for Entrepreneurship Inc.

$300,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of the Conscious Venture Lab Accelerator Program and boot camp training for founders and entrepreneurs to support and attract talent, improve access to investment, and create jobs and generational wealth, especially among Black and brown founders and women entrepreneurs.

Learn More

Fund for Educational Excellence

$50,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of general operations.

Learn More

HealthCare Access Maryland

$50,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Returning Citizens Community Connections program, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals access health and social services as they return to their communities.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.