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

Loving Arms, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For the cost of a consultant to train staff in the use of a new accounting system, federal and state reporting requirements, and accounting standards. The grant will help cover the cost of background clearances for new staff and volunteers. Norma and Robert’s House, a program of Loving Arms, provides short-term, safe, and nurturing shelter and support services to eight male and/or female youth who are runaways, homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

Marian House, Inc.

$75,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward renovation costs for the expansion of five additional units of the Marian House Transitional Program, and toward support of the accompanying transitional housing and supportive services program for homeless women and children. The opportunity to stay up to 24 months affords clients weekly individual and group counseling, daily living skills training, planning for education and job training, and placement services.

Maryland ABCD Networkﾠ

$5,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward support of promoting Affordable Housing Land Trusts for homeownership opportunities in Baltimore City. By controlling the land on which housing is built, community land trusts provide an opportunity to revitalize a community through construction or renovation of housing that is affordable and less vulnerable to foreclosure.

Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training, Inc.

$200,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
Toward renovation costs and the purchase of updated equipment and new furnishings for a facility in support of service to homeless veterans. The therapeutic residential setting offers shelter and an array of services to enable homeless veterans to rejoin their communities. Its employment program offers job development, placement, workshops, resume preparation, and training in interviewing skills.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation (MCA)

$5,000 / 2010 / Arts
For ongoing promotion of the importance of the arts to quality of life in the state. By building a broader base of support of grassroots advocates for the arts, the MCA works to maintain support of the arts on legislators’ agendas.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.