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

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development

$150,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward recruitment and staffing costs of 30 new behavioral biologists, geneticists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and neuroscientists to be employed by the Lieber Institute at the Johns Hopkins Science and Technology Park.

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward three summer internships in the Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences divisions to serve Baltimore City minority students, and to provide lab, safety, and educational materials.

The Light of Truth Center, Inc.

$23,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For additional costs related to the installation of a sprinkler system for a housing facility serving eight women recovering from addiction.

The Northeast Youth Association

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward the cost of re-sodding Rogers Field for youth participating in the Northeast Chargers Youth Football program.

The Piney Woods School

$33,175 / 2012 / Education
To provide scholarships for three students from Baltimore City for the 2012-2013 school year, and toward the salary of a part-time Retention Counselor. The counselor monitors class attendance and participation, oversees study halls and dormitory behavior, and acts as a liaison and advocate for students and families – all with the intent of ensuring that the students graduate and plan for college or post-secondary education.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.