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

Baltimore Outreach Services, Inc.

$30,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase and installation of exterior and interior wheelchair lifts to serve physically disabled women seeking housing and services at an emergency shelter.

The Answer, Inc.

$30,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants toward capital improvements of a residential substance abuse treatment facility to allow for meeting building/zoning code requirements. Additional funds are earmarked for staff stipends and operating overhead.

Alternative Directions, Inc.

$71,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of the Turn About Program, a transition program that provides re-entry services, case management, and self advocacy training for female ex-offenders. Women leaving prison can participate in the Turn About Program as a condition of their parole, while making a one-year commitment. As part of developing individualized plans, the participants receive a range of services including substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, job training, and GED classes.

Alternative Directions, Inc.

$56,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of staffing for the Hand in Hand Baltimore mentoring/re-entry program serving juvenile male offenders charged as adults. The organization provides wrap-around mentoring, as well as mental health, academic, and job-training services leading to a successful transition. The goal is to work with 30 incarcerated youth in their pre-release program, and 15 in the re-entry program.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$53,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant toward staffing costs for support of a transitional housing program designed to serve returning male and female ex-offenders who have a history of addiction. The program provides short- and long-term accommodations along with clinical case management, counseling, physical health referrals, mental health services, and a healthy meal plan.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.