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

Advocates for Children and Youth

$35,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward costs of a campaign to educate youth transitioning out of foster care about health insurance available to them. The campaign will inform decision-makers about a provision of the new Affordable Care Act, which extends health insurance to former foster youth until they reach age 26.

Advocates for Children and Youth

$80,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of staffing and activities that will improve the outcomes of Baltimore City children in the child welfare system. Priorities include increasing in-house services for at-risk families in order to prevent the removal of children from the home; providing input and guidance to Maryland’s Alternative Response practice model; and conducting an analysis of girls involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Adoptions Together, Inc.

$299,859 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Family Find Step Down Project, which is committed to achieving permanency for 135 children who are currently in Baltimore City foster care. Working closely with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Adoptions Together identifies and recruits family members and others who may be interested in adoption, and provides placement, preparation, and post-placement counseling and support services.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward the establishment of the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership, designed to serve as the regional administrator for the additional 2,600 vouchers secured by the settlement agreement of the Thompson v. HUD lawsuit. This settlement allows public housing residents to move to neighborhoods less impacted by poverty, in an effort to access better schools, safer neighborhoods, and greater job opportunities.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For general support of Maryland ACLU activities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.