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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$60,000 / 2019 / Community Development

Baltimore’s Mr. Trash Wheel has successfully operated at the mouth of the Jones Falls since 2014, collecting over 2 million pounds of trash and debris which would otherwise litter the Harbor, including a mattress, a keg, a guitar, a ball python, 11.3 million cigarette butts, 1 million foam containers, 880,646 plastic bottles, and 649,000 plastic bags. In need of upgrades, grant funding will enable mechanical repairs and cosmetic improvements that are beyond the scope of routine annual maintenance and operations.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$100,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) provides free legal services to homeless individuals throughout the state of Maryland.  This grant supports HPRP’s Homeless Youth Initiative, which provides direct representation to unaccompanied homeless youth on a range of legal needs, and advocates for policy solutions to youth homelessness in Maryland.    

Hippodrome Foundation, Inc.

$1,000,000 / 2019 / Arts

The Hippodrome Foundation introduces Maryland students and community members to the arts via the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. The three buildings that comprise the Hippodrome Theatre welcome 250,000+ patrons annually and offer Broadway shows. The Hippodrome Foundation will complete renovations of the fourth building in the complex – the M&T Bank Pavilion – for use as a community art and event space. The space will be programmed for youth arts education, community performances, and private events. 

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$100,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) provides a full range of health care services to homeless individuals in Maryland, operating three full-service clinics, a mobile clinic, and several satellite locations that together serve over 10,000 patients.  This grant supports HCH’s dental program, which provides comprehensive dental care to approximately 1,400 patients in three locations in Baltimore City.  

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake

$120,000 / 2019 / Community Development

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has built or renovated 750 homes and helped qualifying low-income families to move into homeownership with energy-efficient, affordable homes with zero-interest mortgages. The organization with acquiring, renovating, and selling 12 homes in the Station East Community in East Baltimore, and create homeownership opportunities in this quickly changing community for families with household incomes of 30%-50% of the Area Median Income.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.