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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore City Council

$5,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of the Baltimore City Citizen-Led Court Monitoring Program. The purpose of the monitoring, operating within the criminal justice system in Baltimore, is to ensure that there is accountability and transparency for those involved in proceedings.

The Answer, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Three grants toward operating support and renovation costs of a faith-based residential substance abuse recovery program serving up to 44 clients in Baltimore City each year.

Alternative Directions, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of the Turn About Program, a transitional program that provides reentry services, case management, and self-advocacy training for female ex-offenders.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$77,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants for pre-development and renovation costs for a property to be used as a Single Room Occupancy facility to house recovering substance abusers. The newly renovated house, with its capacity to serve up to eight men, will be operated as an Oxford House, a democratically run, self-supporting, and drug-free facility. The residents will receive support and services from A Step Forward, Inc. until permanent housing becomes available.

University of Maryland School of Nursing

$97,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding for continued support of the Maryland Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (MD H2E) initiative. The program has been designed to improve the environmental impact of health care institutions in Maryland over the course of two years by reducing reliance on medical water incinerators, reducing or eliminating the use of mercury-containing and PVC products, increasing reliance on locally grown food products, and conducting workshops for hospital management in an effort to make the hospitals environmentally safe.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.