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

Paul’s Place, Inc.

$250,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward funding of the Campaign for Paul’s Place, an effort to support and expand outreach services and programs for disadvantaged residents in Washington Village/Pigtown, and to develop a comprehensive case management program enabling clients to move beyond crisis to independence and productivity. The campaign’s goals include raising $1 million for client services; $500,000 for capital improvements to the Paul’s Place building; and $500,000 for repair and renovation of 35 homes in the Washington Village/Pigtown community.

Parkside Warriors

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of football uniforms for up to 250 boys and girls who are participating in supervised after-school sports in the Belair-Edison neighborhood.

Parks & People Foundation

$160,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports programs, which offer a variety of athletic activities for more than 1,100 Baltimore City public school students in fourth to 12th grades. Programs include: Baltimore Baseball League, Baltimore Middle School Soccer League, Baltimore Middle School Lacrosse League, and Baltimore Starlings Volleyball Club. The participants, while being exposed to the fundamentals of organized sports and sharing the values of teamwork and fair play, are required to maintain a “C” average and a 95 percent school attendance record.

One Baltimore, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward travel costs of the One Baltimore basketball travel team for participation in the AAU National Tournament in Little Rock, AR.

Northwest Bulldogs Youth Football

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of instruments, uniforms, and related expenses for start-up costs of The Band, a marching band for at-risk youth in Baltimore City. The purpose of the band is to provide youth with positive role models and choices, while building self-esteem, leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship.ﾠﾠ

Header photo courtesy of Thread.