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

KIPP Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Education
For continued support of the extended day program at the KIPP Ujima Village Academy and the new elementary school, KIPP Harmony, which opened in fall 2009. The longer school day and week, and the summer school, are key components of the program designed to move student achievement to the top 10 percent in the Baltimore City Public School System.

Loving Arms, Inc.

$65,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward start-up operating costs and for the purchase and installation of a fire escape for a short-term residential group home for eight emotionally disturbed youth in Baltimore City.

Manifest Wonders Christian Center

$5,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase of furniture and appliances for a new transitional housing facility to accommodate ten ex-offender women in recovery.

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support and expansion of job training programs for unemployed and underemployed youth and adults in Baltimore City. The center recruits and trains individuals for positions in healthcare and other high growth/high shortage industries.

Maryland Community Health Initiatives, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding for support of expanded health care and drug abuse treatment services at the Penn North Neighborhood Center. Operating five days a week, the center provides acupuncture, peer recovery supportive services such as NA/AA meetings, relapse prevention groups, life skills, GED classes, and referrals to traditional treatment and wraparound services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.