Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc.

$24,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of operating costs of the food pantry and the energy assistance program. The center, open Monday through Thursday, serves approximately 300 households per month, providing food; clothing; toiletries; and financial assistance to prevent utility terminations, and to purchase prescription medications.

The Shepherd’s Clinic

$75,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support toward costs of providing primary and specialty health care to uninsured adults in Baltimore City. The clinic delivers high-quality care to approximately 2,500 patients through an extensive network of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other health-care providers, and is linked with Union Memorial Hospital’s resources.

Santa’s Helpers Anonymous, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward general operating costs to provide holiday outreach programs to more than 900 low-income families and the elderly in the Greater Baltimore area.

Santa Claus Anonymous, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of the 2011 Santa Claus Anonymous Campaign.

Sandi’s Learning Center

$50,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of a year-round after-school and summer program focusing on educational and art enrichment activities for up to 40 at-risk children and youth in the Rosemont community of West Baltimore. The center stays in contact with the children’s teachers to monitor any academic or behavior issues, and provides tutoring and supportive services, if necessary.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.