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

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$124,000 / 2010 / Education
For support of the second phase of the School Continuity Project to increase educational outcomes for homeless Baltimore City public school students and for those awaiting foster-care placement. The goal is to collaborate with City Schools and create a plan for compliance to improve the educational outcomes of homeless and foster-care children. The center assists with planning, training school personnel, and monitoring the effectiveness of new school system practices for homeless children.

Supportive Housing Group, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide transitional housing and wraparound services to 36 homeless women and their children for a 12- to 16-month period. In addition to providing apartments, Supportive Housing Group offers counseling, a work readiness program, tutoring for children, N/A meetings, and access to health care in preparation for moving into permanent housing.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn job training program at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. In addition to training in child care, medical terminology, nursing assistant certification, and culinary arts, the center offers opportunities for clients to improve in language arts, math, and computer skills.

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$50,000 / 2008 / Education
Toward support of the School Continuity Project for youth adversely affected by disruption in housing due to homelessness or awaiting foster care placements. The purpose of the project is to improve access to public education as required by law for these children by providing information and advocacy, offering services to families, and connecting the efforts of educators and homeless/foster-care providers.

Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY)

$60,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of programming designed to improve quality of life for Baltimore City children. As part of the “Maryland Can Do Better for Children” campaign, ACY provides research-based recommendations for strategies to meet the needs of Maryland’s children, including the implementation of the Family Team Decision Making model to help reduce the number of foster care placements; the promotion of bonuses to attract strong school principals; support for community-based programs such as Multi-Systemic Therapy and Functional Family Therapy, which have been shown to reduce recidivism; and expansion of oral health care for children on Medicaid.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.