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 Light of Truth Center, Inc.

$76,058 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For repairs, renovations, and installation of a sprinkler system at the long-term residential property. The center provides a safe environment for recovery, transition, and restoration for approximately 20 women a year.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.