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 Police Foundationﾠ

$223,474 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase and operating costs of 145 Pocket Cops for new Baltimore City police officers in the Southern District. Pocket Cop is a software program operating through a wireless network that provides police with instant online access to relevant databases for issuing warrants.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.