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

Humanim, Inc.

$8,150 / 2012 / Community Development
To build and test prototype equipment for algae production to be used in a fish farming operation. The objective is to test whether effluent (nutrient-rich discharge water from sewer systems) can be converted into a productive food source for farm-raised fish through small-scale algae production.

Humanim, Inc.

$529,196 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Two grants toward expenses related to the merger of Harbor City Services and Humanim. Harbor City Services is a social enterprise that provides moving, document storage, shredding, and general warehousing services to more than 100 organizations. Harbor City Services employs Baltimore City residents with psychiatric disabilities, enabling them to acquire work skills, establish an employment record, and generate employer references.

Innovation Housing Institute

$40,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward an initiative that supports housing linked to good schools with access to employment, and offers affordable public transportation. By developing a Regional Housing Plan, the initiative intends to address barriers to residential mobility, and expand affordable housing opportunities within the region.

Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies (ICJS)

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of educational events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ICJS, an inter-faith coalition seeking to learn more about each faith’s history and traditions.

Institutes for Behavioral Resources

$200,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward capital renovations for the expansion of the R.E.A.C.H. mobile drug abuse treatment program, which provides comprehensive health-care services addressing physical, mental, and substance abuse concerns. By increasing the capacity of its fourth-floor treatment center, the program will be able to add outpatient services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.