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

Recovery In Community (RIC)

$98,175 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide for transitional housing support and outreach services for clients recovering from substance abuse. RIC is a State of Maryland certified substance abuse treatment program providing comprehensive services to the Franklin Square, Boyd Booth, and Fayette Street communities in Baltimore.

Rays of Light, Inc .

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of furnishings and appliances for a supportive residential housing program with an emphasis on spiritual healing, for men and women recovering from substance abuse.

No Turning Back Supportive Housing for Men

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward renovations to two transitional housing facilities operated by No Turning Back. The facilities provide housing and recovery support for ex-offenders and homeless men.

Living Classrooms Foundation/ Operation Safe Streets

$12,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of an outreach worker for the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Strategy initiative, designed to reduce violent crime in areas known for high rates of violence. The worker will identify and make contact with at-risk young people to encourage them to take advantage of supportive services and seek employment.

The Light of Truth Center, Inc .

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase of home furnishings for a transitional housing facility serving women recovering from substance abuse. The program’s participants remain in residence from nine months to two years.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.