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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

Maryland Institute College of Art

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of “Finding Our Wings,” a pregnancy- and dropout-prevention documentary designed to educate teen girls in Baltimore City.

Maryland Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped

$20,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For continued support to provide dental services for up to 675 low-income and disabled persons participating in the Donated Dental Services program.

Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center

$50,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For funding of the Voluntary Service Navigator model, part of a Department of Human Resources pilot project designed to transition 35 young adults from the Baltimore City foster care system to independent living. The center is training volunteers who will be matched with a client and receive one-on-one mentoring.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For support of an event in recognition of policy changes to expand access to affordable health care.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$75,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For support of education regarding implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which provides health insurance coverage to the uninsured.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.