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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Catholic Charitiesﾠ

$50,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of the Traveler’s Aid Voucher Program at the Samaritan Center. The purpose of the program is to assist homeless persons who want to move out of Baltimore City to reunite with family, find employment, and/or access treatment for substance abuse, and who are in need of vouchers for bus travel to a new location. Persons using the program must have a contact in the destination city willing to assume responsibility for finding accommodations.

Brooklyn Browns Football and Cheer Program

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of uniforms for the Brooklyn Browns Football and Cheer Program. Along with teaching football and cheerleading skills, the program teaches the values of responsible citizenship.

Baltimore Youth Lacrosse Foundation

$10,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for the support of an expansion of the Baltimore Youth Lacrosse League, and to create a summer program for at-risk inner-city middle school boys.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$40,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the volunteer-operated Baltimore Stars Basketball Program serving 120 inner-city boys, ages eight to 17. The program provides opportunities to compete in AAU state and national basketball tournaments, and in addition to teaching basketball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the program provides educational support that includes mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation.

Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
In support of a strategic planning session on housing development for the mentally ill of Baltimore City.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.