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

Transitioning Lives, Inc.

$9,882 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants toward operating and renovation costs of a recently acquired transitional housing facility with comprehensive services for ex-offenders.

Tuerk House, Inc.

$120,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward expansion of the Open Doors Social Enterprise Project, including staffing costs, stipends for 52 program participants, and the purchase of a 15-passenger van. The Open Doors program will secure cleaning and landscaping contracts, and assist graduates in finding jobs and transitioning into independent living.

TurnAround, Inc.

$245,700 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For a three-month development plan and one year of operating expenses to provide outreach, support services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing for Baltimore City victims of sex trafficking and their children. Turn Around will identify and provide trauma services to more than 200 women.

Ultimate Block Party, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward support of the Ultimate Block Party, a family day with learning activities for students in Baltimore City public schools. Inspired by supportive research, the organization is committed to raising awareness of the importance of play and play-based activities in children’s development and education.

United Way of Central Maryland

$100,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of initiatives of The Journey Home, a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Baltimore City. Children’s program coordinators will be hired to provide school-readiness services to children residing in Baltimore shelters. Included are parental support, assistance with preschool and school enrollment, and monitoring to ensure that the children are receiving appropriate educational services. Adult employment programs will be established at three emergency shelters to provide job readiness, and temporary employment for 75 homeless persons.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.