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

The Franciscan Center

$230,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of the Emergency Services and Energy Assistance Programs. The center offers relief services that include utility assistance, eviction prevention grants, prescription and dental co-pays, transportation bus tokens, identification documents, referrals to job-training programs, and enrollment in entitlement programs.

Food Research & Action Center

$50,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of Maryland Hunger Solutions, an anti-hunger advocacy program for low-income residents of Baltimore City to access federally funded nutrition programs, including food stamps and the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children). Focus is on expanding the free classroom breakfast program, advocating for improved administrative and legislative policies to eliminate access barriers, and working to assure Maryland’s participation in the newly approved federal after-school meal program, as well as the weekend and holiday supper program for children and adults.

Civic Works

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For the design and implementation of a grading and irrigation plan for the Real Food Farm site, which will utilize hoop houses for organic farming at Lake Clifton Park. The farm, with its hoop houses, orchard and tree nursery, serves as an educational setting for Lake Clifton High School students, a community learning center, and a source of produce for farm stands in the Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello and Belair-Edison neighborhoods.

Catholic Charities

$60,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of eviction prevention and utility assistance programs administered by the Samaritan Center. The program provides direct financial assistance to approximately 100 low-income households at risk of eviction and/or facing loss of utility services.

Catholic Charitiesﾠ

$50,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of the Traveler’s Aid Voucher Program at the Samaritan Center. The purpose of the program is to assist homeless persons who want to move out of Baltimore City to reunite with family, find employment, and/or access treatment for substance abuse, and who are in need of vouchers for bus travel to a new location. Persons using the program must have a contact in the destination city willing to assume responsibility for finding accommodations.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.