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

Healthy Teen Network

$21,571 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward costs related to the relocation of Healthy Teen Network’s headquarters from Washington, DC to Baltimore City. The teen pregnancy prevention program is focused on providing comprehensive educational resources to professionals working in the areas of adolescent reproductive health, with an emphasis on pregnancy prevention and supportive services for teen parenting.

Good Shepherd Center

$35,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward renovations to the Good Shepherd Center, a residential treatment facility providing services to troubled adolescent females. Renovations are being made in the physical plant to meet the special needs of residents with emotional disorders.

Food Research & Action Center

$25,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of Maryland Hunger Solutions, an anti-hunger program for low-income residents of Baltimore City. The purpose of the program is to reduce hunger in Maryland by forming and coordinating a strong, antipoverty coalition, and working on common solutions.

Empire Homes of Maryland

$150,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding toward the completion of Restoration Gardens, a 43-unit permanent supportive rental housing development in the lower Park Heights community, to serve homeless, at-risk young adults, ages 18 to 24. These affordable units will be subsidized by Section 8 vouchers. Referrals to supportive services, such as job training and placement, substance abuse treatment and mental health services will be provided to enable the residents to gain the stability and skills needed to live independently.

The Downtown Sailing Center

$30,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For support of the center’s outreach programs, which include an Accessible Sailing Program for persons with physical disabilities, as well as sailing instruction programs for children from disadvantaged communities. The program utilizes volunteers to help maintain optimum instructor-to-sailor ratios, and teaches safety, self-confidence, communication, leadership skills, and teamwork.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.