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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

Kids in Need of Defense

$50,000 / 2014 / Health and Human Services

To hire one additional attorney in the Baltimore office to provide pro bono legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$25,000 / 2014 / Health and Human Services

Toward support of efforts to preserve affordable housing for public housing properties subject to conversion under the Rental Assistance Demonstration Plan.

Franciscan Center

$130,000 / 2014 / Health and Human Services

For general support of programs providing emergency services and case management to families in crisis.

Challengers Independent Living, Inc.

$25,000 / 2014 / Health and Human Services

For the purchase of a mini‑van to provide transportation to foster care teen parents participating in the Challengers Teen Parent Program.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2014 / Health and Human Services

For continued support of the Regional Housing Equity Project.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.