Abell Foundation Grant Program

The Abell Foundation is a private foundation headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with a mission centered on promoting systemic change to improve the lives of the residents of Baltimore City. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that deliver long-term impact across several issue areas including health, education, community development, workforce development, criminal justice and addiction, the environment, and the arts. Since its inception, the Foundation has functioned as a catalytic agent for positive change in Baltimore through strategic grantmaking and investment activities. The Foundation provides grant funding through two primary application tracks: the Small Grant Application and the Regular Grant Application. The Small Grant Application is intended for nonprofit applicants—whether first-time or returning—requesting funding of $10,000 or less. Applications in this category are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with no specific deadline, providing flexibility for applicants to submit proposals at any time throughout the year. For funding requests exceeding $10,000, the Foundation requires applicants to use the Regular Grant Application. This pathway is open to returning nonprofits or those who have demonstrated alignment with the Foundation’s funding priorities. Proposals submitted under this category are reviewed during one of five scheduled Board meetings each year. While the specific dates for these Board meetings are not publicly disclosed in the current material, applicants are encouraged to ensure timely submission aligned with these review cycles. In addition to its grant programs, the Foundation also offers three types of investment opportunities: Program-Related Investments (PRIs), Mission-Related Investments (MRIs), and Direct Investments. PRIs are targeted at nonprofit organizations seeking flexible financing options, while MRIs are intended for companies and impact funds that share the Foundation’s mission-related goals. Direct Investments are suited for companies seeking equity or other direct financial engagement. All investment applications are reviewed during the same five Board meeting cycles. Eligibility for the Foundation’s grants is limited to nonprofit organizations. The Foundation emphasizes alignment with its strategic priorities, suggesting a vetting or consultation process for first-time applicants seeking awards above $10,000. While the eligibility criteria are not exhaustively detailed, the requirement of nonprofit status and the emphasis on returning applicants indicate a selective and focused funding approach. Contact for inquiries or technical assistance related to applications is not specifically named in the source material, but the Foundation’s main contact information is available. Applicants can reach the Foundation at its office located at 111 S. Calvert Street, Suite 2300, Baltimore, MD 21202-6174, or via phone at (410) 547-1300. Applications are submitted through an online portal, where users can also return to saved submissions. In summary, the Abell Foundation’s grantmaking program provides two application tiers based on funding amount and organizational experience. The small grants are rolling, whereas larger grants and investments are reviewed during five fixed points annually. The Foundation maintains a strong focus on improving outcomes for Baltimore City residents, supporting organizations whose missions align with its strategic goals.