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

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation (BNCC)

$25,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Patterson Park Youth Programs, including a basketball and football league, a reading club, an art club, and a youth employment project. Serving a minimum of 300 children and youth from the Patterson Park community, BNCC programs are designed to provide safe and healthy recreation. At least 70 adult volunteers act as coaches, mentors, teachers, and tutors. The summer employment program involves eight young people taking part in keeping Patterson Park and the surrounding blocks clean. The inter-generational activities with adults are expected to build positive generational relationships and reduce neighborhood conflicts.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$30,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 120 inner-city boys, ages eight to 17. This program provides the boys with an opportunity to compete in the AAU state and national basketball tournaments and serves as an incentive to maintain good grades and positive behavior on and off the court. Mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation assistance are available to all Stars players.

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc. (BHCA)

$15,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support and expansion of an initiative to assist low-income persons in Baltimore City obtain medical coverage through the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Primary Adult Care Program. In an effort to help clients overcome barriers to health care, BHCA will provide funds to purchase identity and citizenship documents for clients applying for health care programs.

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc. (BHCA)

$50,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For support of a one-year fluoride varnish pilot program for 6,000 low-income Medicaid or uninsured children, ages one to five, in Baltimore City. By partnering with three large pediatric practices: a clinic at the University of Maryland, a community-based clinic operated by Baltimore Medical Systems, and a private practice, BHCA will develop training materials and contract with dental educators who will train pediatricians and nurses to conduct oral health screenings and administer fluoride varnish treatments, and will track the number of children screened and receiving fluoride varnish, then being referred to primary care dental providers.

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$150,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Regional Equity in Housing Project. The purpose is to provide more than 6,000 families the opportunity to move from racially isolated public housing units in Baltimore City to non-impacted, low-poverty, racially integrated neighborhoods throughout the region that offer greater education, employment, and housing opportunities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.