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

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$10,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For the purchase and installation of fencing for Exeter Gardens in the Historic Jonestown neighborhood. This project is designed to create an opportunity for reuse of a vacant lot for students to learn about gardening, and to encourage residents’ stewardship.

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing costs for the development of the YES (Youth Empowered Society) Drop In Center for homeless and runaway youth and young adults. The center provides food, clothing, showers, and laundry facilities, and makes referrals to housing, public benefit, educational, employment, and other service providers.

Future Harvest CASA

$20,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward continued support of the Beginner Farmer Training Program for Baltimore City residents. Objectives include providing educational support and mentoring for trainees to pursue a career path in farming, and increasing the number of farmers and the amount of sustainably grown produce for local communities.

Gaudenzia Foundation, Inc.

$350,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward construction costs of the Women and Children’s Center, a long-term residential treatment facility. The remodeling is part of Gaudenzia’s new three-story home that accommodates 18 women and their children in 10 permanent housing apartments.

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2012 / Education

Toward support of the 2012 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp, a month-long academic and enriching experience for 50 disadvantaged Baltimore City public elementary school students. The academic, cultural, and physical education experiences are designed to prevent summer learning loss, stimulate creative thinking skills, and challenge motor skills.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.