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

Franciscan Center

$30,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the Emergency Services Energy Assistance Program. Services include utility and eviction prevention grants, emergency food, transportation vouchers, prescription co-pay assistance, financial counseling, and case management.

Food Research & Action Center

$25,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of Maryland Hunger Solutions, an anti-hunger advocacy program designed to facilitate access to federally funded nutrition programs for low-income residents of Baltimore City. Focus will be on expanding the classroom breakfast program, advocating for improved administrative and legislative policies to eliminate barriers, and assisting to implement Maryland’s newly approved after-school, weekend, and holiday supper program for qualifying children and adults. It will also continue to serve as a resource for updates on hunger statistics.

DRU/Mondawmin Healthy Families, Inc.

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
To provide supportive services for pregnant women, infants, and children in the Druid Heights, Reservoir Hill, Upton, and Mondawmin catchment areas.

The Downtown Sailing Center

$15,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For general operating costs of the 2009 Community Outreach initiative for at-risk, disadvantaged, and disabled youth in Baltimore City. The program teaches disadvantaged youth to sail, while providing lessons in safety, self-confidence, communication, leadership skills, and teamwork.

Civic Works

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For startup costs of the Real Food Farms at Clifton Park. The goals of the urban farm project are to provide fresh organic food to the Lake Clifton High School cafeteria, hands-on educational opportunities for students, the engagement of neighbors in growing produce, job training opportunities, and green jobs. Starting with three hoop greenhouses in which to grow produce year-round, the pilot project will eventually expand to 20 hoop greenhouses.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.