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

Reservoir Hill Improvement Council, Inc.

$45,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Reservoir Hill Healthy Foods Initiative at the Whitelock Community Farm. With the addition of two full-time staff positions, a farm manager, and a team coordinator, the initiative will increase the cultivation of diverse products and community access to healthy foods.

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
For continued support of drug treatment and training programs. The center serves more than 120 people a week, providing transitional housing for an average of 45 to 60 people each week, many of whom are ex-offenders. Those who live in the transitional houses participate in daily community cleanups, removing nine tons of trash from the neighborhood each week. The center also provides gang mediation services to more than 50 youth each week, and operates a homeless shelter for youth ages 12 to 17.

Safe House of Hope

$47,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the establishment of a Drop-In Center for victims of sex trafficking in the Brooklyn/Curtis Bay neighborhood.

Saint Cecilia Roman Catholic Church

$5,000 / 2012 / Education

Toward support of the CityWide Special Education Advocacy Project for physically disabled students in Baltimore City Public Schools. The purpose of the project is to provide collaboration, training, and advocacy designed to improve academic and social outcomes for students with special needs.

Saint Cecilia Roman Catholic Church

$5,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward support of the CityWide Special Education Advocacy Project for physically disabled students in Baltimore City Public Schools. The purpose of the project is to provide collaboration, training, and advocacy designed to improve academic and social outcomes for students with special needs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.