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

Druid Heights Community Development Corporation

$100,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants toward the purchase of a six-unit apartment building to provide housing to clients in the Maryland Reentry Program. This program will serve clients who have graduated from a transitional housing setting, but are stabilized and employed, and are moving toward independent living.

Druid Heights Community Development Corporation

$5,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of furniture for a New Life facility, a transitional housing program providing substance abuse treatment services.

Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center, Inc.

$40,000 / 2010 / Environment
Toward support of the Restore the Chesapeake Bay campaign. Environment Maryland, in response to the Restoration Executive Order to restore the Chesapeake Bay, is undertaking research to inform decision-makers about pollution issues, holding press conferences and arranging for media coverage—all toward educating the community about the need for upgrades of sewage treatment plans, and for reduction of nutrients and fertilizers on farms and lawns that leach into the bay waters.

Environmental Integrity Project (EIP)

$125,000 / 2010 / Environment
To support a fellowship position for the Brooklyn/Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point Environmental Justice campaign. The campaign will focus on monitoring waste permits of industrial plants located in communities experiencing high levels of pollution, and will undertake an analysis of the health and environmental impacts of the emissions data. By working with locally affected communities, EIP will hold workshops on the permit process, allowing citizens to be in a stronger position to voice their rights for clean air and water.

Episcopal Community Services of Maryland

$50,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward continued support for 50 ex-offenders enrolled in the eight-week Jericho Reentry Program. By providing stable housing for up to one year, clients benefit from case management, job training, life-skills training, and job placement. Typically, clients are in need of addiction treatment, mental health services, housing, furthering education, and positive role models.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.