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

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$50,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Additional funding toward the renovation of the Northeast Market, including improving the interior and exterior appearance.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$100,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward the costs of creating a centralized, state-of-the-art commissary and warehouse in the Hoen Lithography building at 2101 East Biddle Street with the capacity of preparing as many as 150,000 meals a day for Baltimore City public school students. When rehabbing of the building is completed and the program is in operation, the commissary is expected to lower costs of meals served in Baltimore City public schools and to improve the nutritional value of students’ meals. The commissary will also provide opportunities for Baltimore City Public Schools to realize quality control of food preparation, use locally grown produce, address the problems of childhood obesity, offer student apprenticeships, and create a community educational center offering workshops in healthy eating.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$75,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For staffing costs of the Permanent Supportive Housing initiative. The objectives of the initiative are to create and support policies and funding for the expansion of permanent supportive housing, to participate in advocacy efforts designed to eliminate barriers to affordable housing development, and to provide legal representation and advocacy to ensure that residents of permanent supportive housing retain their housing.

House of New Beginnings, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward rent, repairs, and household equipment for Home Peaceful Homes, a start-up transitional supportive housing facility for parents and children located in the Gwynns Falls area.

House Of Ruth Maryland

$340,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward operating costs over an 18-month period in an effort to provide client services and shelter to Latina victims of domestic violence and their children in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.