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

Franciscan Center

$30,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the Emergency Services Energy Assistance Program. Services include utility and eviction prevention grants, emergency food, transportation vouchers, prescription co-pay assistance, financial counseling, and case management.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$25,000 / 2009 / Education
For the development of the Urban Teacher Center (UTC), the mission of which is to prepare teachers for the country’s neediest urban schools. The center recruits candidates, equips them with state-of-the-art training, and links certification to the performance of their students. UTC fellows must make a four-year commitment: one year of residency, followed by three years as a full-time teacher in a high-needs urban school.

Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation

$25,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing and administrative costs of CARES, a food pantry and emergency utility assistance, eviction prevention, and prescription drug assistance program serving more than 4,400 low-income Baltimore City residents.

Harbor City Services, Inc.

$15,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
Toward general operating costs of a document management, moving/storage, and warehouse business providing sheltered employment to Baltimore City residents with psychiatric disabilities.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$75,000 / 2009 / Community Development
For general support of a partnership of banks, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations committed to strengthening 15 underserved neighborhoods targeted for revitalization. Healthy Neighborhoods provides grants for marketing, community organizing, and block projects in an ongoing effort to preserve and improve the real estate values in selected neighborhoods.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.