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

Helping Up Mission

$250,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward capital renovations of Helping Up Mission’s 1029 East Baltimore Street facility. The renovation will bring the 100-year-old building into compliance with the American Disabilities Act and State of Maryland building codes, and provide safe, temperature-controlled classrooms, a conference room, a library, a recreation area, and a multipurpose room for up to 370 men participating in the Spiritual Recovery Program. The site includes a dormitory for 60 to 70 emergency overnight guests and offices.

Foundation of Hope, Inc .

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward funding of the cost of food, supplies, and personal and household items for 40 male and female substance abusers in recovery and living in an environment that supports a transition to an addiction-free life.

Foundation of Hope, Inc .

$35,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant for capital renovations of five Foundation of Hope locations, providing housing for Baltimore City men and women recovering from substance abuse. Foundation of Hope provides residential and supportive services for up to one year to those leaving prison and halfway houses, including: parenting classes, admission to certified after-care program and HIV education, NA/AA meetings, relapse prevention, training in social skills, educational/vocational training, computer skills, job readiness, and apprenticeships.

Episcopal Community Services of Maryland

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide transitional housing stipends for ex-offenders enrolled in the Jericho Reentry Program.

Center for Emerging Media

$75,350 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For a study of War Room Offenders at the Baltimore Booking and Intake Center. The study will determine whether the criminal justice system is successfully focusing law enforcement resources on violent offenders and addressing the continuing cycle of violence.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.