What it is

The Abell Foundation is a private foundation based in Baltimore that works to improve health, economic and educational outcomes for Baltimore City residents, with a focus on people living in concentrated poverty. It was founded in 1953 by Harry C. Black as the A.S. Abell Company Foundation and was renamed after the 1986 sale of the A.S. Abell Company, publisher of The Sun. Its focus areas are health and human services, community development, education, workforce development, criminal justice and addiction, environment, and arts.

What it offers founders

Alongside grants to nonprofits, Abell invests in companies. Its Direct Investments program looks for companies that create jobs in Baltimore, offer social and economic benefits, and can return capital to fund its grantmaking.

  • It backs early-stage startups with proprietary innovations and provides growth capital to mature companies expanding employment in Baltimore City.
  • Initial investments typically range from $150,000 to $500,000.
  • It prefers to invest alongside other sophisticated investors at closing.
  • It describes itself as a value-add partner offering mentorship and connections.

The foundation also makes Mission-Related Investments in companies and impact funds, and Program-Related Investments for nonprofits.

Who it is for

For founders, the investment programs fit companies that are located in, or will create jobs in, Baltimore City. Nonprofits working on Baltimore issues can apply for small grants of up to $10,000 or regular grants above $10,000.

How to apply

All applications go through an online portal linked from the Apply page. Small grants are reviewed on a rolling basis with no deadline. Regular grants and all investments are reviewed at one of five board meetings each year, with deadlines posted on the Apply page. Read the Direct Investments page and FAQs before applying, and see current investments for examples. The office is at 111 S. Calvert Street, Suite 2300, Baltimore, MD 21202, phone (410) 547-1300.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Abell writes direct checks into local startups and growing companies and ties that investment to job creation in Baltimore City. For a founder building in Baltimore, it can be a local co-investor in an early-stage or growth round that adds mentorship and connections to the capital.