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

Baltimore Reads, Inc.

$21,680 / 2009 / Education
Toward the creation of a business plan for financial stability of the Baltimore Reads Book Bank, which provides donated books to city schools and community programs. The plan will explore a social entrepreneurship model to create a Book Exchange as a revenue stream.

Baltimore Shakespeare Festival

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
Toward the implementation of the Shakespeare for a New Generation program, designed to provide free access for students to experience the power of live theatre and the work of William Shakespeare. The program includes teacher workshops, in-school teaching artists’ visits, study guides, live performances of The Comedy of Errors, and post-performance discussions in 12 to 14 Baltimore City public schools.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$40,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the volunteer-operated Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 120 inner-city boys, ages 8 to 17. The program provides opportunities to compete in AAU state and national basketball tournaments. In addition to teaching basketball skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, the Stars program provides educational support for players, including mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$20,000 / 2009 / Community Development
For continued support of the Home Maintenance Program developed to assist more than 130 elderly, low-income homeowners to remain in their homes in Southeast Baltimore. Banner Neighborhoods makes minor repairs, undertakes general maintenance, and provides education about energy-saving measures.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.