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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

$50,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the third and final year of Threshold to Recovery, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Initiative Funding Partners program. The three Threshold centers are open for extended hours offering a low-cost, high-volume, effective means of increasing access to treatment, retaining people in treatment, and sustaining recovery. The centers welcome walk-ins and offer alternative healing therapies such as tai chi, acupuncture, and meditation.

Baltimore Outreach Services, Inc. (BOS)

$50,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase and renovation costs of three new units to help meet demand for transitional housing. BOS provides housing services to the residents for up to two years.

Baltimore City Health Department

$100,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the expansion of Safe Streets. The initiative is designed to reduce gun-related violence in five high-crime communities in Baltimore City by training neighborhood outreach workers in the techniques of conflict resolution, in an effort to reduce violent confrontations. An evaluation of the initiative is being conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the cost of hiring a full-time Volunteer Maryland coordinator to assist in new program development, linking residence to employment services, and reaching out to develop new community partners and relationships.

A Few Good Men and Women, Inc. (AFGMW)

$20,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For a supportive housing program to assist recovering addicts and ex-offenders. AFGMW offers recovery support and links to mental-health services, job-readiness training, literacy and GED preparation, and self-help groups.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.