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

Neighbor to Family

$95,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the recruitment, screening, licensing, and training of new foster caregivers for the Neighbor to Family Sibling Foster Care Program in Baltimore City. The addition of 30 new family foster homes will help house and meet the special needs of a minimum of 60 siblings in foster care, and work toward reunification with their biological families whenever possible.

Nehemiah House, Inc.

$5,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of appliances and furniture replacement for a homeless shelter for adult men. Nehemiah House provides shelter and meals, and makes medical/mental health and substance abuse treatment referrals.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward the cost of leasehold improvements for expansion of existing office space used by NAMI volunteers and staff. Serving more than 7,000 clients a year, NAMI provides educational programs, support groups, training workshops, and other resources for persons with mental illness and their family members. The facility will offer two new meeting areas, dedicated space for volunteers, handicap-accessible facilities, and upgraded HVAC systems.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$125,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the Health Care Enrollment Campaign for Baltimore City, to encourage newly eligible low-income Baltimore City residents to enroll in Medicaid. The campaign will include dissemination of information about the new Medicaid eligibility guidelines and benefits conferred under Medicaid coverage. Outreach coordinators will distribute applications and provide assistance to people who are eligible for and want to enroll in the new program.

Johns Hopkins Urban Health Initiative

$5,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of two laptop computers and wireless airtime for an evaluation of the Urban eClinic project, a health clinic for the uninsured in East Baltimore. The project anticipates the improvement of clinical outcomes by using outreach workers recruited from the local community, with the goal of improving health education, fostering healthy lifestyles, and promoting the prevention of disease.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.