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

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.

A Reason to Recover, Inc.

$10,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants toward the purchase of a stove, and payment of rent and utilities, for a transitional housing facility serving homeless women recovering from substance abuse.

United Way of Central Maryland

$100,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of initiatives of The Journey Home, a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Baltimore City. Children’s program coordinators will be hired to provide school-readiness services to children residing in Baltimore shelters. Included are parental support, assistance with preschool and school enrollment, and monitoring to ensure that the children are receiving appropriate educational services. Adult employment programs will be established at three emergency shelters to provide job readiness, and temporary employment for 75 homeless persons.

Towson University Foundation

$50,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Oral Health Intervention Program serving up to 200 homeless persons at the Helping Up Mission. Students and faculty from the University of Maryland Dental School conduct on-site oral health screenings with follow-up care provided at the dental school. Towson University nursing students provide oral health education and case management assistance to ensure that clients get to their follow-up appointments. The work is undertaken by volunteer dentists, dental students, and nursing students.

Take Back The City, Inc.

$23,960 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Winning Teams Mentoring Program, serving middle and high school students in Baltimore City public schools. By matching up to 60 middle and high school students with up to 12 college students trained by the Maryland Mentoring Partnership, the mentors provide mentees with ongoing support and encouragement, leading to graduation from high school and admission into college.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.