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

New Leaders for New Schools

$150,000 / 2011 / Education
For support of the New Leaders Baltimore program to place nine outstanding school principals in Baltimore City public schools for the 2011-2012 school year, and to recruit, train, and place an additional 13 by June 2012. After five weeks of coursework at the Summer Foundations Institute and a one-year full-time residency as an assistant principal alongside a mentoring principal, the New Leader is then placed as a principal in a Baltimore City public school. During the first year, the New Leader receives professional development, coaching, and support. In return, he or she makes a commitment to serve in the city public schools for six years.

New Vision House of Hope, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Emergency funding toward utility bills for six transitional houses serving men recovering from substance abuse.

New Vision House of Hope, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For repairs and renovations to a new transitional house located at 3927 Ridgewood Avenue providing nine beds for men.

No Turning Back, Inc.

$50,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants for expenses related to the renovation of a property, and for the purchase of appliances and household items needed for the expansion of transitional housing services in the Park Heights area of Baltimore City, for men recovering from substance abuse.

Northwest Bulldogs Youth Football

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of instruments, uniforms, and related expenses for start-up costs of The Band, a marching band for at-risk youth in Baltimore City. The purpose of the band is to provide youth with positive role models and choices, while building self-esteem, leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship.ﾠﾠ

Header photo courtesy of Thread.