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

Franciscan Center

$191,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For general support of programs providing services to families in crisis. Services include case management, financial assistance to prevent evictions, hot lunches, a food pantry, clothing, toiletries, transportation, and assistance with obtaining prescription drugs.

Food Research & Action Center

$38,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Two grants toward continued support of the Maryland Hunger Solutions’ pilot project, designed to increase the capacity of Baltimore City farmers’ markets. This will allow the sellers to accept federal food benefit payments through EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards and the “Baltimore Bucks” incentive program.

East Baltimore Development, Inc.

$75,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For support of an Adolescent Behavioral Health Partnership to be implemented by Elev8 Baltimore, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Elev8 provides a Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction intervention, designed to improve students’ skills for coping with trauma and anxiety, to 400 middle school students. The project includes a behavioral assessment system that identifies students in need of behavioral health support services.

Druid Heights Community Development Corporation

$50,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward operating support for the Urban Youth Initiative Project, a year-round after-school educational and enrichment program that serves 35 children five days a week. The goal is to increase academic achievement and self-confidence; instill values of individual responsibility, self-respect, and self-discipline; and encourage parental involvement.

Covenant Community Association

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of a summer camp for 80 children and youth in the Rose Street community, and for renovations of a house that will serve as a neighborhood center.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.