Read our 2024 Annual Report

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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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 Outreach Services, Inc. (BOS)

$50,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase and renovation costs of three new units to help meet demand for transitional housing. BOS provides housing services to the residents for up to two years.

Baltimore City Health Department

$100,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the expansion of Safe Streets. The initiative is designed to reduce gun-related violence in five high-crime communities in Baltimore City by training neighborhood outreach workers in the techniques of conflict resolution, in an effort to reduce violent confrontations. An evaluation of the initiative is being conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the cost of hiring a full-time Volunteer Maryland coordinator to assist in new program development, linking residence to employment services, and reaching out to develop new community partners and relationships.

A Few Good Men and Women, Inc. (AFGMW)

$20,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For a supportive housing program to assist recovering addicts and ex-offenders. AFGMW offers recovery support and links to mental-health services, job-readiness training, literacy and GED preparation, and self-help groups.

Towson University

$50,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the continued support of an oral health intervention program serving up to 200 homeless persons at the Helping Up Mission. The program offers oral health education, screenings, dental care, and restorative health care with work done mostly by volunteer dentists, dental students, and nursing students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.