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

Live Baltimore Home Center

$25,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the Employer Outreach Campaign designed to increase the number of private and public employees owning or renting houses in Baltimore City. Working with the state, the center’s outreach efforts will promote incentives to help employees purchase houses.

Living Classrooms Foundation

$240,000 / 2011 / Education
Three-year funding for support of the Physical Education Initiative for Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School to address severe gaps in the physical education program. In collaboration with Playworks, the Living Classrooms’ Physical Education Initiative will offer at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day with a structured before-school, recess, and after-school program. Along with the oversight of a physical education teacher, Playworks will provide training to school staff, install sports and playground equipment, and initiate intramural soccer and lacrosse programs. The goal is to increase student achievement by engaging the students in physical education.

Loving Arms, Inc.

$105,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Two grants toward the purchase of a van and for operating costs of N. R. House, a residential facility providing food; short-term shelter; case management; outreach; and referral services for up to eight runaway, homeless youth and their families. The program expects to serve at least 50 homeless youth per year.

Lyric Opera Baltimore

$5,000 / 2011 / Arts
In support of the Opera to Go program, designed to bring operatic experiences into Baltimore City public schools. The students are exposed to the rudiments of opera, and are given the opportunity to perform.

Maryland Addictions Directors Council

$36,500 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of the Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative. The objectives of the initiative are to promote state and regulatory changes designed to eliminate barriers to entry into the work force, increase the number of newly licensed professionals, and provide incentives targeted to behavioral health professions.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.