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

Environmental Integrity Project

$35,000 / 2009 / Environment
Toward support of the Maryland Open Government Initiative, a collaborative effort with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. The goal is to encourage state and federal enforcement entities to do a more effective job in ensuring the health and safety of Maryland residents, and to protect them from dangerous levels of air pollution.

Episcopal Community Services of Maryland

$60,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide transitional housing stipends for 75 ex-offenders enrolled in the Jericho Reentry Program. Jericho provides stable housing for clients while they pursue job training and reconnect with family and friends.

Food Research & Action Center

$25,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of Maryland Hunger Solutions, an anti-hunger advocacy program designed to facilitate access to federally funded nutrition programs for low-income residents of Baltimore City. Focus will be on expanding the classroom breakfast program, advocating for improved administrative and legislative policies to eliminate barriers, and assisting to implement Maryland’s newly approved after-school, weekend, and holiday supper program for qualifying children and adults. It will also continue to serve as a resource for updates on hunger statistics.

Food Research & Action Center

$20,000 / 2009 / Community Development
Toward support of the Maryland Hunger Solutions’ pilot project to enable low-income households to purchase fresh produce at two Baltimore City farmers’ markets using their federal nutrition program benefits. The pilot will provide outreach and incentives to eligible households and the equipment and training for the farmers’ markets to accept payment through electronic benefit transfers and debit cards.

Fountain of Hope, Inc.

$10,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants for emergency costs of supplies and utilities toward expenses of a housing program serving persons recovering from substance abuse.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.