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

Helping Up Mission, Inc.

$100,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the replacement of all beds, mattresses, cabinets, and carpeting in this residential facility for homeless men recovering from substance abuse. The strategy has been designed to eliminate the infestation of bed bugs.

High Zero Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Arts
Toward funding of the 2012 Festival of Experimental Improvised Music. Now in its 14th year, this world-class festival of avant-garde music, presented by High Zero Foundation, is a week-long program of large-scale concert sets, free workshops, street performances, private recording sessions, and special collaborations. The festival brings together 28 core musicians (half are from Baltimore) who offer a range of performing styles.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$75,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of staffing and litigation costs of the Permanent Supportive Housing initiative, which advocates on behalf of homeless, disabled clients seeking permanent housing.

House of Change, Inc.

$9,850 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants for expenses related to three housing facilities that serve individuals in recovery. These expenses include security deposits, rent, gas and electric, water, cable and telephone services, and purchases of furniture.

House Of New Beginnings

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For six months of rent and utilities so that House of New Beginnings may provide services to homeless youth in foster care and to those aged out of foster care.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.