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

Beginning Effective Recovery Together (BERT)

$5,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For replacement furniture in residences served by the BERT supportive housing program. The goal of BERT is to assist men and women in developing life skills in preparation for successful reentry into the community.

The Baltimore Station

$50,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward final construction costs for expansion and renovation of a residential substance abuse treatment program serving 91 homeless men. The residents are provided with HIV screenings, physical exams, mental health assessments, follow-up treatments, and referrals to GED programs and job training.

The Answer, Inc.

$5,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of appliances and payment of one month’s utility bill for a faith-based residential substance abuse recovery program providing services to seven clients for up to a six-month stay.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$5,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For paying utility bills at two transitional housing facilities serving Baltimore City men and women recovering from substance abuse.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$23,295 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For completion of renovations for an Oxford Model Housing Project serving eight men recovering from substance abuse. The house, in the Harlem Park community, is a democratically run, self-supporting, and drug-free home for residents planning to live in permanent housing.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.