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

KaBOOM!

$75,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward the implementation of the Playful City USA program, an initiative to provide safe playgrounds for children in Baltimore City. Through the creation of a local play task commission, the project will design action plans for play, recruit volunteers to care for play spaces, and encourage families and their children to play outside.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn Program, a job-training and placement program for 300 participants at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. The program provides specialized training in child care, medical terminology, certified nursing assistance, and culinary arts.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.