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

TAEL Enterprise, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the cost of minor repairs, water and utility bills, and food for a transitional housing facility for homeless women.

Teach For America Baltimore

$150,000 / 2010 / Education
Ongoing support for expenses related to the cost of recruiting, selecting, and training of 160 additional Teach For America (TFA) corps members, as well as developing TFA alumni for leadership positions in Baltimore City public schools for the 2010-2011 school year. TFA will continue to provide ongoing support to the 160 corps members entering their second year of teaching.

The Baltimore Station

$100,000 / 2010 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the renovation of several properties in the Sandtown-Winchester area in West Baltimore to create the Baker Street Station, a long-term residential facility for homeless men, primarily veterans, with addictions. Once the renovation is completed, the facility will house 40 individuals and provide recovery services for up to 24 months.

The Community School, Inc.

$10,670 / 2010 / Education
For support of the College Support and Dual Enrollment Initiative serving students and graduates of The Community School. The program provides ongoing support for students to graduate from high school or pass their GEDs, and enter and remain in college.

The Franciscan Center

$230,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of the Emergency Services and Energy Assistance Programs. The center offers relief services that include utility assistance, eviction prevention grants, prescription and dental co-pays, transportation bus tokens, identification documents, referrals to job-training programs, and enrollment in entitlement programs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.