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

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.

Good Shepherd Center

$50,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward renovation costs of the student courtyard at Good Shepherd Center, a residential facility that provides services to troubled adolescents ages 13 to 21 who are suffering from severe emotional and behavioral problems. The renovated courtyard serves as a therapeutic open space for use by residents, families, visitors, and staff.

Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation

$35,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Toward support of the CARES Career Connection, an employment program that offers preliminary job counseling to 200 unemployed men and women in Baltimore City. Working with 35 to 40 unemployed persons at a given time, the career coordinator and Loyola University student volunteers provide counseling, resume preparation, mentoring, and assistance with job placement. The goal is to place a minimum of 70 clients in jobs within 12 months.

Greater Baltimore AHC, Inc.

$40,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of the Greater Baltimore Affordable Housing Corporation’s Asset Building Campaign. The pilot is designed to increase residents’ knowledge of household financial management, in an effort to eliminate costly check-cashing and bill-paying services.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$5,000 / 2012 / Other
For 2012 membership dues.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.