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

Greater Baltimore Tennis Patrons Association, Inc.

$30,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of after-school and summer tennis programs for the Greater Homewood Tennis Aces, Park Heights Tennis Aces, and Frankford Tennis Aces serving nearly 400 at-risk Baltimore City youth ages six to 16. The program offers after-school tennis instruction, supervised study halls, nutrition, life skills, fitness and health education lessons, and a six-week summer camp.

Free State Legal Project

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
In support of an initiative to provide free and reduced-fee legal services to low-income lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members of the community.

Franciscan Center

$200,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of programs providing financial support and case management services to families in crisis, as well as support for the center’s basic services departments. Services include a hot lunch program, a food pantry, clothing, toiletries, transportation assistance, and prescription assistance.

Food Research & Action Center

$150,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of Maryland Hunger Solutions, an anti hunger advocacy program for low-income residents of Baltimore City to access federally funded nutrition programs, including food stamps and the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. Focus will be placed on expanding the free classroom breakfast program; advocating for improved administrative and legislative policies to eliminate access barriers; and working to ensure Maryland’s participation in the newly approved federal after-school meal program, as well as weekend and holiday supper programs for children and adults.

Feeding the People, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of a program to reach underserved, disadvantaged, and at-risk diabetics by providing home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, and in-home self-management education.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.