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

Greater Baltimore Tennis Patrons Association, Inc.

$30,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of after-school and summer tennis programs serving the Greater Homewood Tennis Aces, Park Heights Tennis Aces, and Frankford Tennis Aces. More than 400 at-risk Baltimore City youth ages six to 16 participate and receive tennis instruction, support for study habits, and healthy meals.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$95,000 / 2010 / Education
For support of the Experience Corps Upper Grades Pilot Project, designed to serve fourth- and fifth-grade students in high-needs Baltimore City public schools. The project awards grants to five schools in support of strategies designed to increase academic achievement.

GROUP Ministries, Inc.

$105,370 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For the purchase of one house in the Rosemont community, and to provide on-the-job training in home renovations for 10 ex-offenders. The men will be placed in a pre-apprenticeship program with outside contractors.

Harbor City Services, Inc.

$25,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support of operating costs of a document management, moving/storage, and warehouse business, providing full-time and part-time employment to 30 Baltimore City residents with psychiatric disabilities. The business secures contracts with medical centers, financial and real estate firms, and law firms and social service programs, and is able to provide above minimum-wage jobs.

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
To provide emergency placement in motels for up to 20 homeless persons with disabilities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.