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

Baltimore Stallions Youth Programs/ American Youth Football

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of uniforms and equipment for the Baltimore Stallions Football program established for 200 inner-city youth. Along with athletic experiences, the program will provide instruction in leadership, teamwork skills, tutoring, and mentoring.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/ Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)

$40,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 96 inner city boys, ages eight to 17. The program, run by an all-volunteer staff, provides opportunities to compete in AAU state and national basketball tournaments. In addition to teaching basketball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the program provides educational support that includes mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation, and encouragement for the players to maintain good grades and positive behavior off the court.

Baltimore Tree Trust

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For the cost of an inventory of the Trees for Public Health Initiative in the McElderry Park community as a preliminary step leading to a city-wide street tree inventory.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$25,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For continued support of the Home Maintenance Program. By providing minor home repairs and regular inspections, Banner Neighborhoods enables more than 130 elderly, low-income homeowners in Southeast Baltimore to remain in their homes.

Beginning Effective Recovery Together

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of furniture and appliances for a residential substance abuse treatment program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.