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 Northeast Youth Association

$13,228 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Three grants for expenses related to the Northeast Football League serving at-risk youth in Baltimore City.

The Piney Woods School

$63,600 / 2011 / Education
To provide five scholarships for students from Baltimore City for the 2011-2012 school year, and for the salary of a Retention Counselor. The counselor provides a range of services including monitoring class attendance and participation, overseeing study halls and dormitory behavior, and acting as a liaison and advocate for students and their families.

The Samaritan Community

$15,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the Food Pantry and Emergency Assistance programs for families experiencing food insecurity, and/or difficulty paying rent and utility bills. The center’s staff works with each client to address issues that lead to unemployment, addiction, and mental health disorders, and makes referrals to other agencies, when needed, to address client needs.

The Shepherd’s Clinic

$75,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support toward costs of providing primary and specialty health care to uninsured adults in Baltimore City. The clinic delivers high-quality care to approximately 2,500 patients through an extensive network of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other health-care providers, and is linked with Union Memorial Hospital’s resources.

The Sierra Club Foundation

$30,000 / 2011 / Environment
Toward support of the Beyond Coal Maryland project, an effort to end burning coal for energy. The campaign has been designed to reduce dependency on coal as a major source of energy and to encourage the development of cleaner alternative energy.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.