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

NCADD-Maryland (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence)

$5,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the cost of a statewide poll to determine the level of voter support for raising the alcohol beverage tax as a way to fund addiction treatment and prevention services.

New Leaders for New Schoolsﾠ

$150,000 / 2010 / Education
For continued support of the New Leaders-Baltimore program designed to recruit and develop outstanding school principals for Baltimore City public schools. After five weeks of coursework at the Summer Foundations Institute, and a one-year full-time residency working as an assistant principal alongside a mentoring principal, the New Leader is placed as a principal in a Baltimore City public school. Throughout the first year, the New Leader receives professional development, coaching, and support. Each New Leader is expected to make a six-year contractual commitment to serve in Baltimore City public schools.

New Vision House of Hope, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Emergency funding toward the cost of utility bills for two transitional houses, and for the purchase and installation of a new furnace.

Office of the Mayor

$35,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward consulting fees to assist in implementing a leadership agenda by developing a vision for the Mayor’s priorities and providing training for the Mayor’s staff. The consultant will help to determine effective ways to set priorities, clarify roles, and redefine job descriptions.

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports program serving more than 1,000 Baltimore City public school students in grades four to 12. The participants, while being exposed to the basic fundamentals of playing organized sports and the value of team work and fair play, are required to maintain a “C” average and 95 percent school attendance.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.