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

South Baltimore Learning Center

$50,000 / 2020 / Workforce Development

South Baltimore Learning Center (SBLC) has provided adult education services for nearly three decades, serving over 700 adult students each year.  Three years ago, with funding from the Abell Foundation, SBLC established an office and classroom at the Regional Skills Training Center in Park Heights.  Working with sector skills training programs, SBLC provided 60 students with remedial instruction in math and reading.  On average, students gained 2.5 levels in reading and 4.0 levels in math. These gains were achieved over an average of 30 hours of instruction.  With continued funding from Abell, SBLC will enroll 81 students into remediation programming, with the goal of 55 (or 68%) achieving the reading and math levels required to enroll in the sector skills training programs.

The Samaritan Community

$30,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

The Samaritan Community provides support to families and individuals who are in crisis, using an individualized approach that addresses the unique needs of each client.  The vast majority of clients served are unemployed, and many have chronic illnesses, including mental health and substance use disorders.  The center’s programs include a food pantry, emergency financial assistance, individual and group counseling, and referrals.  This grant supports the Samaritan Community’s regular programs, as well as a special fund established to meet the needs of clients who have been directly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.    

NorthBay Education

$200,000 / 2020 / Education

NorthBay Academy is a sixteen-week, residential educational program provided to 300 Baltimore City Public Schools sixth graders during the first semester of the 2020 school year as a response to the Covid pandemic.  Students attending NorthBay Academy will be provided hands-on science instruction, character-building activities, teamwork and challenge based activities, and individualized reading tutoring, alongside their typical routine of virtual instruction provided by their classroom teachers.  The Academy is designed to accelerate student learning and provide educational stability for students whose instruction may be impeded due to the challenges of virtual learning.

New Life Food Pantry, Inc.

$9,980 / 2020 / Community Development

New Life Food Pantry distributes up to 100,000 pounds of food during single day community markets. Grant funds will support costs associated with a pilot camera project.

NCADD-Maryland

$30,000 / 2020 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

NCADD-MD provides treatment/recovery education, advocacy and public policy leadership on issues related to alcoholism, drug dependence and barriers affecting treatment accessibility in Maryland. Funding from the Abell Foundation will assist NCADD-MD to conduct research about the actions and outcomes of some of the other states in the country that have legalized personal use of marijuana, with a particular focus on public health. This research is intended to develop recommendations for Maryland lawmakers on what public health approaches should be taken in the process of legalizing cannabis for personal use, should the State decide to move in this direction. 

Header photo courtesy of Thread.