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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports program serving more than 1,000 Baltimore City public school students in grades four to 12. The participants, while being exposed to the basic fundamentals of playing organized sports and the value of team work and fair play, are required to maintain a “C” average and 95 percent school attendance.

The Northeast Youth Association, Inc.

$10,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for support of operating costs and travel for the Northeast Football League, serving at-risk youth, ages five to 15, to participate in the national Pop Warner football championship.

NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc.

$19,825 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward peer education and support programs for up to 48 mentally ill Baltimore City homeless persons. The programs include peer-to-peer education that teaches participants how to manage their illness and access needed services, and workshops for staff to help them interact with mentally ill clients.

Mission Possible Ministries, Inc.

$36,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase and installation of a fire alarm and sprinkler system for three houses providing shelter to 27 homeless men in West Baltimore. Mission Possible offers clean, safe furnished rooms, along with two meals a day and assistance in finding employment and permanent housing within an 18-month period.

Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center

$25,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward costs of providing supportive resources to current and former foster youth. The center provides information, training, service linkages, counseling, GED preparation, and job-training programs for youth transitioning to independent living.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.