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

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$35,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For support of public education, maintenance, and strengthening the Health Care for All! Coalition. The program functions in a population where more than 21 percent do not have medical insurance and, consequently, need to learn health care options. The objectives of the coalition are to educate the public about Maryland’s current health care system and the benefits available to the uninsured and underinsured, and to build grassroots support for a universal health care plan.

Madison Square Bucs Inner City Youth Program, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For general support of the Madison Square Buccaneers’ basketball programs for more than 180 inner-city children, ages six to 14. Operated by volunteer coaches, the program focuses on teaching basketball fundamentals while emphasizing academic achievement. The in-house league and tournament play allows the children to participate in an instructional and competitive environment, and so benefit from the diversity they encounter in different regions and schools.

Koinonia Baptist Church

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For removal of lead in metal windows in a building that houses a day care program for toddlers.

Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute

$71,781 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For the development and evaluation of the Urban eClinic Project, an electronic system created to improve health care in an urban setting.

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
To provide emergency shelter for homeless persons with disabilities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.