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 Salvation Army

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For general support of services for the needy.

The Samaritan Community

$18,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of the Food Pantry and Emergency Assistance programs, which serve families threatened with shortages of food, and having difficulty paying rent and utility bills. The staff works with each client to identify and address issues that lead to unemployment, addiction, and mental health disorders.

The Shepherds Clinic

$105,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support toward costs of providing primary and specialty health care to uninsured persons in Baltimore City through a network of volunteer physicians and a relationship with Union Memorial Hospital. Shepherd’s Clinic anticipates serving 2,500 uninsured Baltimore City residents.

The Urban Alliance Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support of a workforce development initiative to provide paid internships to 30 Baltimore youth aging out of foster care. The alliance serves two cohorts over a six-month period. The goal is for 75 youth to be placed into unsubsidized employment, or to be enrolled in post-secondary education or a training program.

The Walters Art Museum

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To provide awards for Art Bytes in support of Baltimore’s technology and innovation community.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.