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

Maryland Institute College of Art

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of Finding Our Wings, a pregnancy- and dropout-prevention program for teen girls in East and West Baltimore.

Maryland Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped

$10,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
To provide free dental care and dentures to low-income disabled persons participating in the Donated Dental Services program. Patient referrals come from health-care providers, public health departments, and social service agencies. The services are rendered by more than 515 volunteer dentists statewide.

Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center

$50,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Continued funding of supportive services to current and former foster youth. The center provides information, training, service linkages, counseling, GED preparation, and job-training programs for youth transitioning from foster care to independent living.

Maryland Food Bank

$100,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding for expansion of office/meeting space and parking lots, and for renovation of the lobby. To meet the increase in demand for food and expansion of its programming, the capital expansion plan will accommodate more staff and volunteers; bring about efficiency in service delivery; and improve the heating/air conditioning systems, while increasing energy efficiency.

Maryland Food Bank

$75,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of the School Pantry Program in 96 Baltimore City public schools. The pantry program provides an end-of-the-month food safety net for needy families identified by school counselors. The recipients are asked to volunteer and become involved in their children’s learning in exchange for receiving free bags of food. Weekend backpacks are distributed to needy children and their families. The pantries serve as portals for parents to connect with other community services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.