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

TuTTie’s Place

$5,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of appliances to be used in a residential group home for adolescents.

United Ministries, Inc.

$50,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding for continued support of Earl’s Place, a transitional housing facility for recovering addicts who are homeless and/or HIV positive. By providing stable housing for up to 17 homeless men at any given time, Earl’s Place offers residents the opportunity to enroll in GED classes and/or participate in job training programs until they complete the program and are employed, earning sufficient income to cover the cost of moving into permanent housing.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$110,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
Two grants for the continuation and expansion of an initiative that sells cars at a very low cost to low-income persons in Baltimore City.

Women’s Housing Coalition

$20,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding to continue support of the Relapse Prevention/Mental Health Program for homeless women in Baltimore City. This initiative includes the training of case managers to detect warning signs of relapse and strategies so as to assist clients with medication management.

Year Up Washington, Inc.

$115,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support and expansion of the Year Up Baltimore Program, a workforce development initiative for 40 talented at-risk young adults, ages 18 to 24. The training prepares participants for entry-level positions in information technology.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.