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

Catholic Charities/The Samaritan Center

$100,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of eviction prevention and traveler’s aide programs administered by The Samaritan Center. The center provides direct financial assistance to homeless and low-income individuals in Baltimore City, helping them avoid eviction and utility termination, and providing transportation vouchers to those stranded in Baltimore without lodging. Clients are referred to other counseling services to obtain income support, such as food stamps, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits, and referrals to job training and placement.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County

$50,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward the implementation of Project Learn, an after-school mentoring program for 300 at-risk youth in the O’Donnell Heights and Brooklyn/Curtis Bay communities. Project Learn activities include Power Hour—the first hour of the afternoon activities set aside for children to complete homework, receive tutoring, and work on computers, as well as art activities, health education, and recreational activities. In addition, the program emphasizes parent involvement in club activities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Inc .

$100,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For continued support and expansion of the Amachi mentoring program for 650 children of incarcerated parents. The program is designed to match the children with caring and responsible adult mentors while, at the same time, providing case-management support for families, guardians, and volunteers. The program will continue to collect data on outcomes, including school performance, substance use, delinquent behavior, relationships with peers and adults, and degree of achieved self-confidence.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$40,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of a volunteer-run basketball program for 120 inner-city boys ages eight to 17. The program provides the boys with the opportunity to compete successfully in AAU state and national basketball tournaments. In addition to being taught basketball skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, all Stars players receive mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation assistance. With the educational and personal support provided by Stars coaches, many of the players have attended the top private and public magnet high schools in Baltimore.

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc .

$10,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
To continue to provide birth certificates and photo IDs for Baltimore City residents who are in need of health insurance, shelter, housing, and addiction services. Baltimore HealthCare Access will screen applicants for eligibility for health insurance programs and, if needed, purchase identification and citizenship documents for clients applying for benefits.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.