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

The Justice Policy Institute

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of the 2012 Baltimore Neighborhood Re-entry Fair, which provides expungement services and other information to individuals who may not be familiar with the appropriate legal processes.

Jobs, Housing & Recovery, Inc. (JHR)

$25,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the salary of an additional full-time Homeless Services Coordinator at the JHR Housing Resource Center. This coordinator will ensure a 30 percent increase in client contacts, and result in “needs assessments” and referrals for 80 percent of clients seeking services.

Institutes for Behavioral Resources

$200,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward capital renovations for the expansion of the R.E.A.C.H. mobile drug abuse treatment program, which provides comprehensive health-care services addressing physical, mental, and substance abuse concerns. By increasing the capacity of its fourth-floor treatment center, the program will be able to add outpatient services.

House of Change, Inc.

$9,850 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants for expenses related to three housing facilities that serve individuals in recovery. These expenses include security deposits, rent, gas and electric, water, cable and telephone services, and purchases of furniture.

Helping Up Mission, Inc.

$100,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the replacement of all beds, mattresses, cabinets, and carpeting in this residential facility for homeless men recovering from substance abuse. The strategy has been designed to eliminate the infestation of bed bugs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.