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

Seedco

$75,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For expansion and continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a technical assistance initiative to help 4,000 low-wage workers and individuals access benefits and income support. The Web-based screening tool helps individuals and families apply for federal, state, and city benefits.

Sista 4 Sista Road 2 Recovery, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of furniture and appliances for Ms. Thelma’s Place, a long-term residential facility for women in recovery.

Sisters Academy of Baltimore

$11,150 / 2011 / Education
Toward the purchase of 10 laptops, software, and a Web-based student and graduation information system. These purchases will enable teachers to use the laptops as teaching tools and to track grades, report cards, attendance, and other data.

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc.

$24,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of operating costs of the food pantry and the energy assistance program. The center, open Monday through Thursday, serves approximately 300 households per month, providing food; clothing; toiletries; and financial assistance to prevent utility terminations, and to purchase prescription medications.

Southeast Community Development Corporation

$100,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward renovation costs of the former Highlandtown Enoch Pratt Free Library building to ensure its qualification as a Silver LEED certified building for affordable housing and commercial development. The organization will also increase its financial and homeownership counseling and asset building services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.