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

New Vision House of Hope, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the payment of utility bills for two transitional houses that provide support for men in recovery.

Nu Direction/LEAP

$20,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For costs of operating and renovating a facility that provides supportive housing for 10 men recovering from substance abuse. Services include job assistance, NA/AA meetings, and counseling.

Open Door Community Development Corporation (Open Door Baltimore)

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For the purchase and installation of security cameras for a workforce development program in the Oliver community. Open Door Baltimore offers instruction in life skills and construction training in partnership with the National Center for Construction Research and Education and Baltimore City Public Schools’ Office of Learning to Work.

Parks & People Foundation

$98,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports program serving Baltimore City Public School students in grades four through 12 in after-school sports and recreational activities. Participants are taught the fundamentals of playing organized sports, and the value of teamwork and fair play. To be eligible, students must earn a minimum “C” average, maintain 90 percent school attendance, and undertake a community service project.

Parkside Warriors

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of football and cheerleading uniforms for 250 boys and girls participating in supervised after-school sports in the Belair-Edison neighborhood.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.