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

Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of “Information for Health: The Maryland Prize,” a contest to generate ideas for using health information to improve health status.

Catholic Charities

$60,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of eviction prevention and utility assistance for more than 500 low-income households at risk of becoming homeless or losing utility services. The program is administered by the Samaritan Center.

Catholic Charities

$50,890 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of the Traveler’s Aid Voucher Program at the Samaritan Center. The purpose of the program is to assist homeless persons who want to move out of Baltimore City to reunite with family, find employment, and/or access treatment for substance abuse, by providing one-way travel vouchers. Persons using the program must have a contact in the destination city willing to assume responsibility for finding new accommodations for recipients of the travel vouchers.

Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Maryland Mentoring Partnership

$15,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of “B’Mentors: The Baltimore City Initiative” for 235 at-risk youth in six troubled neighborhoods. By matching youth with mentors, it is expected that there will be improvements in confidence, competence, academic performance, and relationships with adults and peers.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/ Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)

$40,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 96 inner city boys, ages eight to 17. The program, run by an all-volunteer staff, provides opportunities to compete in AAU state and national basketball tournaments. In addition to teaching basketball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the program provides educational support that includes mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation, and encouragement for the players to maintain good grades and positive behavior off the court.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.