Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

$29,304 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
To develop and disseminate a briefing paper on the economic, health, and safety effects of an alcohol tax increase in Maryland. The paper will include analyses of the impact of an increase in Maryland’s alcohol taxes on worker productivity, job creation and loss, and the likelihood of crossing state borders to purchase alcohol.

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

$268,125 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
To provide security deposits for 200 families participating in the Special Mobility Housing Choice Voucher Program. Tenants are given Housing Choice vouchers to move into private rental housing in nonimpacted areas outside Baltimore City. This program offers interested tenants the opportunity to move into areas offering safety and security, better schools, and improved health outcomes.

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
To provide emergency placement in motels for up to 20 homeless persons with disabilities.

Greater Baltimore Tennis Patrons Association, Inc.

$30,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of after-school and summer tennis programs serving the Greater Homewood Tennis Aces, Park Heights Tennis Aces, and Frankford Tennis Aces. More than 400 at-risk Baltimore City youth ages six to 16 participate and receive tennis instruction, support for study habits, and healthy meals.

Friends of Patterson Park, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a basketball scoreboard and ceiling mounting for a backboard in the Virginia S. Baker Recreational Center. The center houses two teen Department of Recreation leagues, a young women’s team, another for students from Hampstead Hill Academy, and neighborhood pick-up games. By improving the facility, the center offers a safe and healthy environment for out-of-school activities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.