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

Parks & People Foundation

$160,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports programs, which offer a variety of athletic activities for more than 1,100 Baltimore City public school students in fourth to 12th grades. Programs include: Baltimore Baseball League, Baltimore Middle School Soccer League, Baltimore Middle School Lacrosse League, and Baltimore Starlings Volleyball Club. The participants, while being exposed to the fundamentals of organized sports and sharing the values of teamwork and fair play, are required to maintain a “C” average and a 95 percent school attendance record.

One Baltimore, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward travel costs of the One Baltimore basketball travel team for participation in the AAU National Tournament in Little Rock, AR.

Northwest Bulldogs Youth Football

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of instruments, uniforms, and related expenses for start-up costs of The Band, a marching band for at-risk youth in Baltimore City. The purpose of the band is to provide youth with positive role models and choices, while building self-esteem, leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship.ﾠﾠ

The Northeast Youth Association

$13,228 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Three grants for expenses related to the Northeast Football League serving at-risk youth in Baltimore City.

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Inc.

$35,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the Center for Pediatric Weight Management and Healthy Living, which serves overweight and obese children in Baltimore City and surrounding areas. To address the increasingly serious problem of childhood obesity, the center provides health and nutrition education and medical support to those children and their families who are referred by pediatricians. The participants are assessed on various fitness measures, including weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and insulin levels.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.