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

Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

$10,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward continued support of the Music Teacher Mentoring Program for first- and second-year music teachers in Baltimore City public elementary and middle schools. Three mentors will give one-on-one mentoring in lesson planning, curriculum development, sequential delivery of lessons, teaching of rhythm, tone, instrument care, and classroom management strategies.

Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Inc.

$151,750 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
A two-year grant toward support of a Baltimore City birth control initiative titled “Provision of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Methods for High-Need Clients.” The initiative provides family planning services and access to LARC methods to 470 low-income Baltimore City women.

Praise Through Recovery, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward costs of utilities, rent, and office supplies for Trinity Recovery House for Men. The seven-bed residential facility provides homeless men with customized, family-oriented treatment.

Preservation Maryland

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Preservation Maryland Restoration and Renovation Fair. The purpose of the fair is to disseminate information to homeowners about basic to complex renovations to older homes, as well as financing and tax credits.

Princeton Center for Leadership Training

$170,000 / 2012 / Education
For the implementation of the Peer Group Connection program in two Baltimore City high schools. The evidence- and school-based program supports the transition from middle to high school. The program includes a year-long, credit-bearing course for selected high school juniors and seniors, training them to become peer leaders, advisors, and mentors to all ninth graders in weekly advising meetings.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.