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

Talitha Cumi Safe Haven

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward capital improvements to a facility that provides outreach services for female ex-offenders recovering from substance abuse.

Teach For America-Baltimore (TFA)

$250,000 / 2012 / Education
For expenses related to the cost of recruiting 150 new teachers, and retaining 175 second-year cohort members by providing ongoing support for Teach For America Corps members. TFA will increase civic/educational leadership capacity among its alumni to take leadership positions in Baltimore City Public Schools for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Answer, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward rent expenses of two residential facilities providing substance abuse treatment. This six-month to one-year program offers education and counseling services for 15 men and 12 women. By partnering with other organizations, The Answer provides mental health services, food, shelter, GED training, life-skills training, and job placement.

The Baltimore Free Store/Fusion Partnerships

$10,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward expenses related to the Baltimore Free Store’s relocation to a larger storefront. Once relocated, this all-volunteer organization, which partners with local social services and community-based agencies, will be able to reach a large group of potential clients and redistribute more donated goods.

The Chesapeake Rivers Association

$5,000 / 2012 / Environment
Toward the cost of upgrades to a Hydrolab for the SevernStat Water Quality Monitoring Project. The upgrades of a new monitoring meter with chlorophyll sensors to obtain relative phytoplankton densities are expected to lead to better identification of sources of sediment and nutrient pollution that affect water quality of the Severn River.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.