Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Baltimore City Health Department

$100,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of Safe Streets East and Safe Streets Cherry Hill, in an effort to reduce gun-related violence in Baltimore City. These programs rely on community leaders to intervene in conflicts using mediation and the promotion of alternatives to violence.

The Answer, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward rent expenses of two residential facilities providing substance abuse treatment. This six-month to one-year program offers education and counseling services for 15 men and 12 women. By partnering with other organizations, The Answer provides mental health services, food, shelter, GED training, life-skills training, and job placement.

American Friends Service Committee

$50,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of the Baltimore Friend of a Friend Program, designed for ex-offenders returning to Baltimore City. The goal of the re-entry program is to reduce violent infractions and recidivism through six months of conflict resolution training prior to release.

Alternative Directions, Inc.

$35,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant toward expansion of the Hand in Hand pre-release and re-entry program for juveniles in Baltimore City. The intent of the program is to ensure that participants are enrolled in an educational program and attain employment within a month of release, and that 80 percent of participants receive their GEDs within 18 months of enrollment.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$75,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of an initiative to promote reforms for children and families in the Baltimore and Maryland criminal justice systems. The ACLU continues to work on the monitoring of arrests and to advocate for changes designed to reduce incarceration rates for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.