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

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the center’s drug treatment and job-training programs. The Rose Street Community Center serves more than 90 people a week and provides transitional housing for an average of 45 to 60 men and women. The center also offers mental health services, gang mediation, tutoring and art classes, as well as shelter for homeless youth.

Salvation Army

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For general support of services for the homeless and needy.

Sandi’s Learning Center

$50,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of a year-round after-school and summer program focusing on educational and art enrichment activities for up to 40 at-risk children and youth in the Rosemont community of West Baltimore. The center stays in contact with the children’s teachers to monitor any academic or behavior issues, and provides tutoring and supportive services, if necessary.

Santa Claus Anonymous, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of the 2011 Santa Claus Anonymous Campaign.

Santa’s Helpers Anonymous, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward general operating costs to provide holiday outreach programs to more than 900 low-income families and the elderly in the Greater Baltimore area.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.