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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

The Justice Policy Institute

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the support of the Baltimore Neighborhood Re-entry Fair, organized to provide assistance to individuals in obtaining expungements and child-support modifications, and making referrals to re-entry services.

The Justice Policy Institute

$48,885 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of the Maryland Parole Revocation Project, an analysis of Maryland’s parole system. The purpose of the analysis is to provide a statistical snapshot of parole revocations, as well as information about main reasons for re-incarcerations, and to make recommendations on creating effective community supervision plans and strategies designed to reduce incarceration costs.

Jobs, Housing & Recovery, Inc. (JHR)

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For emergency funding to cover the cost of data recovery from a computer server damaged in a fire. One of the largest providers for Baltimore City, JHR manages the City’s Code Blue Shelter including 350 emergency beds and 100 transitional beds for homeless men.

House of New Beginnings, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward rent, repairs, and household equipment for Home Peaceful Homes, a start-up transitional supportive housing facility for parents and children located in the Gwynns Falls area.

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$30,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward staffing costs of an assistant director for Power Inside, an organization offering services at the Baltimore City Detention Center and street outreach for women and girls who are living in poverty.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.