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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Civic Works

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For startup costs of the Real Food Farms at Clifton Park. The goals of the urban farm project are to provide fresh organic food to the Lake Clifton High School cafeteria, hands-on educational opportunities for students, the engagement of neighbors in growing produce, job training opportunities, and green jobs. Starting with three hoop greenhouses in which to grow produce year-round, the pilot project will eventually expand to 20 hoop greenhouses.

Catholic Charities

$500,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Project to Transform Lives program at My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (MSPWC) and for the Pathways to Hope Project at Our Daily Bread Employment Center (ODBEC). The programs are designed to expand basic services with on-site medical services and mental health treatment. MSPWC clients are encouraged to participate in budgeting, financial literacy, and adult education classes; ODBEC clients have the opportunity to participate in a variety of job training programs, including building maintenance, environmental services, commercial driver’s licenses, and weatherization tech training.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$40,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the volunteer-operated Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 120 inner-city boys, ages 8 to 17. The program provides opportunities to compete in AAU state and national basketball tournaments. In addition to teaching basketball skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, the Stars program provides educational support for players, including mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation.

Baltimore Homeless Services, Inc.

$250,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding toward the development of a housing and resource center for homeless persons at 620 Fallsway. In response to the increasing number of homeless individuals in Baltimore City, the center will offer housing accommodations and case management for up to 275 homeless individuals at any one time.

The Avenue Bears/Pop Warner Little Scholars

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward the costs of equipment, uniforms, and insurance for a new Pop Warner Metropolitan Baltimore football and cheerleading club for 200 youth, ages 5 to 14, in the Pennsylvania Avenue and Upton communities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.