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

United Way of Central Maryland

$183,750 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
To provide rent subsidies for 75 homeless men and women in the transitional employment program of The Journey Home (Baltimore City’s 10-year plan to end homelessness).

Tahirih Justice Center

$50,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward operating support of pro bono legal and case management services for up to 79 immigrant women and girls in Baltimore City fleeing gender-based violence. The center also conducts training sessions for attorneys, police officers, judges, and social and health service providers.

St. Francis Neighborhood Center

$32,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of The Power Project, an after-school educational, mentoring, and arts program for 30 at-risk youth, ages 5-18, in the Reservoir Hill neighborhood. The goal is to increase academic achievement and self-confidence of children participating in the program.

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc.

$24,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of operating costs of the food pantry, which serves more than 250 clients per month, and for a program that serves up to 50 clients per month to help prevent utility turn-off.

The Shepherds Clinic

$105,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support toward costs of providing primary and specialty health care to uninsured persons in Baltimore City through a network of volunteer physicians and a relationship with Union Memorial Hospital. Shepherd’s Clinic anticipates serving 2,500 uninsured Baltimore City residents.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.