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

South Baltimore Neighborhood Association

$12,500 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the South Baltimore Youth Council, a mentoring and educational program for at-risk youth. The purpose of the program is to engage at least 30 young people each week in youth-led council activities. One of the educational programs focuses on issues related to crime investigation and trial preparation. Participants will undertake at least three service projects in collaboration with community-based organizations.

St. Francis Neighborhood Center

$25,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of The Power Project, an after-school educational, mentoring, and arts program for 30 at-risk youth, ages five to 18,in Reservoir Hill. In an effort to increase academic achievement and self-confidence, the program conducts academic and social needs assessments, and creates individualized short- and long-term plans for each child.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Learn to Earn job training program at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. In addition to training in child care, medical terminology, nursing assistant certification, and culinary arts, the center offers opportunities for clients to improve in language arts, math, and computer skills.

Supportive Housing Group, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide transitional housing and wraparound services to 36 homeless women and their children for a 12- to 16-month period. In addition to providing apartments, Supportive Housing Group offers counseling, a work readiness program, tutoring for children, N/A meetings, and access to health care in preparation for moving into permanent housing.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$135,000 / 2009 / Education
Two grants for the continuation and expansion of an initiative to double the number of recent college graduates recruited and trained to 160, and to provide ongoing support for the 80 returning Teach For America corps members in Baltimore City public schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.