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

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc. (SOBER)

$20,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For general operating support and to fund the program’s energy assistance grants. Each month, SOBER provides food supplies in the form of snack bags to the homeless, three-day supplies for individuals and families, and basic necessities to more than 290 clients. Energy assistance grants are awarded to up to 100 clients who have received utility turn-off notices.

Santa Claus Anonymous

$5,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the support of the 2008 Santa Claus Anonymous Campaign.

The Salvation Army

$5,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For general support of services for the homeless and needy.

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports program for Baltimore City public school students. The multi-sport program serves more than 1,100 students participating in soccer, baseball, volleyball, and lacrosse leagues. This after-school program stresses the basic fundamentals of organized sports, and the value of teamwork and fair play. The organizers monitor academic achievement and attendance; participants are required to maintain a “C” average and at least a 95 percent school attendance rate.

Neighbor to Family

$95,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the recruitment, screening, licensing, and training of new foster caregivers for the Neighbor to Family Sibling Foster Care Program in Baltimore City. The addition of 30 new family foster homes will help house and meet the special needs of a minimum of 60 siblings in foster care, and work toward reunification with their biological families whenever possible.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.