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

The Answer, Inc.

$30,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants toward capital improvements of a residential substance abuse treatment facility to allow for meeting building/zoning code requirements. Additional funds are earmarked for staff stipends and operating overhead.

The Baltimore Station

$35,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of a van to provide transportation for 40 residents of the Baker Street Station, a long-term supportive transitional services recovery setting. The services address conditions of drug/alcohol addiction, homelessness, and poverty. Though clients are encouraged to use public transportation, the van services will help meet the clients’ needs for medical appointments, emergencies, work therapy, job interviews, and educational programs.

The Community School, Inc.

$10,750 / 2011 / Education
For continued funding of the College Support Program serving current students and graduates of The Community School. The program provides ongoing support and mentoring for students studying to graduate from high school or pass their GED, and to enter and graduate from college.

The Door/Baltimore Urban Leadership Foundation

$10,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the Supplier Development Program, a pilot program to foster linkages between local suppliers of goods and services, and local institutional purchasers.

The Ingenuity Project

$455,800 / 2011 / Education
For support of the 2011-2012 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math, science, and research curriculum for 510 Baltimore City public middle and high school students. The objective is to increase academic achievement levels by offering superior math and science instruction. Participating students are encouraged to enter national science competitions, undertake a formal research paper, and apply for an internship.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.