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

Franciscan Center

$191,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For general support of programs providing services to families in crisis. Services include case management, financial assistance to prevent evictions, hot lunches, a food pantry, clothing, toiletries, transportation, and assistance with obtaining prescription drugs.

Food Research & Action Center

$38,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Two grants toward continued support of the Maryland Hunger Solutions’ pilot project, designed to increase the capacity of Baltimore City farmers’ markets. This will allow the sellers to accept federal food benefit payments through EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards and the “Baltimore Bucks” incentive program.

East Baltimore Development, Inc.

$75,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For support of an Adolescent Behavioral Health Partnership to be implemented by Elev8 Baltimore, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Elev8 provides a Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction intervention, designed to improve students’ skills for coping with trauma and anxiety, to 400 middle school students. The project includes a behavioral assessment system that identifies students in need of behavioral health support services.

Druid Heights Community Development Corporation

$50,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward operating support for the Urban Youth Initiative Project, a year-round after-school educational and enrichment program that serves 35 children five days a week. The goal is to increase academic achievement and self-confidence; instill values of individual responsibility, self-respect, and self-discipline; and encourage parental involvement.

Covenant Community Association

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of a summer camp for 80 children and youth in the Rose Street community, and for renovations of a house that will serve as a neighborhood center.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.