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

Living Classrooms Foundation

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of equipment for the Building Character Through Sports’ Jaguars football team, a program of the Living Classrooms Foundation.

Loving Arms, Inc.

$100,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward operating costs of N.R. House, a residential program for homeless runaway youth and young adults. The goal is to transition the youth and young adults to safe, stable permanent homes by providing counseling and case management, and teaching life and communication skills.

Manna House, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing costs to provide outreach programs serving the homeless and needy in Baltimore City.

Manna House, Inc.

$35,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For the salary of a coordinator to recruit volunteers to assist in serving 200 clients every day.

Marian House, Inc.

$100,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding for support of transitional housing and supportive services for homeless women and their children. Marian House provides intensive services to ensure that residents benefit from recovery programs, tutoring, and GED preparation. It also aims to provide services that result in gainful employment and placement in permanent housing.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.