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

1000 Friends of Maryland

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For the development of a three- to five-year strategic plan, with a focus on protecting rural and sensitive lands, redeveloping older cities, and addressing land use and transportation issues.

TurnAround, Inc.

$245,700 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For a three-month development plan and one year of operating expenses to provide outreach, support services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing for Baltimore City victims of sex trafficking and their children. Turn Around will identify and provide trauma services to more than 200 women.

Transitioning Lives, Inc.

$9,882 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants toward operating and renovation costs of a recently acquired transitional housing facility with comprehensive services for ex-offenders.

Theodore House, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward utility bills and moving expenses for a supportive housing program in Baltimore City for homeless persons with HIV and/or in recovery from substance abuse.

Talitha Cumi Safe Haven

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase and installation of new carpeting for a facility providing outreach services for female ex-offenders in recovery.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.