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

Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering

$150,000 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of Baltimore Healthcare Innovator Retention fellowships for Johns Hopkins University biomedical engineering graduates to address critical healthcare challenges, accelerate product development, and investment and create local jobs.

The Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$45,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of general operating costs and books for the home library project, serving about 9,250 children and distributing about 185,000 books during the 2022-2023 school year.

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Maryland Dental Action Coalition Inc.

$100,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of a two-year patient outreach and engagement campaign to promote the new Maryland Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Program.

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Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland Inc.

$89,250 / 2023 / Community Development

In support of staff and project expenses associated with the Tax Sale Prevention Project. This project provides legal assistance, recourse information, and education to and policy advocacy on behalf of Baltimore City homeowners at risk of foreclosure to delinquent real property taxes.

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Project PLASE Inc.

$250,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of capital funding toward the development of Beacon House Square in the old St. Joseph’s Monastery School building, which will provide 34 transitional and 56 permanent housing units for homeless adults.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.