Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Public Justice Center

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward production costs of an educational film to be shown in the Baltimore Juvenile Courthouse for youth entering the foster care system. The film gives a first-hand glimpse into the process foster youth face when entering the system, and provides them with a better understanding of how the Juvenile Court works, individuals’ rights and responsibilities, and how to maximize system benefits.

Pimlico Road Youth Program

$35,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Challenge grant toward operating costs of an academic and arts program for children and youth. The program is a collaboration between St. John’s Lutheran Church and Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, and offers a safe place for 45 neighborhood children. The after-school program provides academic assistance, a computer lab, art, music, and dance instruction, and recreational activities five days a week.

Paul’s Place, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hot Lunch and Emergency Assistance programs for residents of Washington Village/Pigtown. Funding allows the programs to accommodate basic needs of long-time residents in an area of entrenched poverty.

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2009 / 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 through 12. While being taught the basic fundamentals of playing organized sports and the value of teamwork and fair play, participating students are required to maintain a “C” average and a 95 percent school attendance rate.

Northeast Youth Association

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward operating costs of a football league for youth ages five to 15 in the Mid-Govans community. The season starts in August with a two-hour practice five days a week during the summer, and three days per week during the school year, in addition to six Saturday games.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.