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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Sandtown Winchester Community Collective, Fiscally Sponsored by Family Survivor Network

$25,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of Sandtown Winchester Community Collective’s (SWCC) general operations.

Learn More

University System of Maryland

$55,000 / 2025 / Education

In support of the new Empowered Educator program, which is designed to move conditionally certified teachers toward full certification via an online, asynchronous alternative teacher licensure pathway.

Vehicles for Change Inc.

$200,000 / 2025 / Workforce Development

In support of providing 64 Baltimore City residents with criminal backgrounds with training in automotive repair and placing graduates into jobs as certified automotive mechanics, earning at least $19 per hour.

Learn More

4MyCiTy Inc.

$50,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of 4MyCity’s food rescue, food redistribution, and composting efforts in Baltimore City.

Learn More

Digital Harbor High School, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$24,685 / 2025 / Education

In support of 75 Digital Harbor High School students participating in driver’s education courses and behind the wheel training, resulting in the acquisition of a driver’s license.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.