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

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For continued support of drug treatment and job-training programs. Rose Street serves more than 90 people a week, and provides transitional housing for an average of 45 to 50 men and women. The center offers mental health services, gang mediation, GED classes, tutoring, art classes, and shelter for homeless youth.

Safe Haven in the Junction

$5,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For general support of a transitional housing facility for 15 homeless men recovering from substance abuse. Expenses cover utility bills, household supplies, learning materials for GED preparation, drug testing, and an alcohol Breathalyzer.

Santa Claus Anonymous

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
In support of the 2010 Santa Claus Anonymous Campaign.

Santa’s Helpers Anonymous, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the “Elves Bring Christmas to Those in Need” program for low-income families and the elderly in Baltimore City.

Seedco

$75,000 / 2010 / Workforce Development
For expansion and continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a technical-assistance initiative to help more than 3,000 low-wage workers access benefits and income supports. The Web-based screening tool helps individuals and families apply for 22 different federal, state, and city benefits. An effort is being made to identify a Baltimore-based intermediary to take on the day-to-day operations, and to develop a fiscal and management infrastructure to support a network oversight.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.