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

Baltimore Outreach Services, Inc. (BOS)

$50,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase and renovation costs of three new units to help meet demand for transitional housing. BOS provides housing services to the residents for up to two years.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$40,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of a volunteer-run basketball program for 120 inner-city boys ages eight to 17. The program provides the boys with the opportunity to compete successfully in AAU state and national basketball tournaments. In addition to being taught basketball skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, all Stars players receive mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation assistance. With the educational and personal support provided by Stars coaches, many of the players have attended the top private and public magnet high schools in Baltimore.

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

$50,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the third and final year of Threshold to Recovery, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Initiative Funding Partners program. The three Threshold centers are open for extended hours offering a low-cost, high-volume, effective means of increasing access to treatment, retaining people in treatment, and sustaining recovery. The centers welcome walk-ins and offer alternative healing therapies such as tai chi, acupuncture, and meditation.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$25,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For continued support of Clean Streets Program in the Patterson Park community. The program calls for daily cleaning of streets, sidewalks, and alleys, and weekly dumpster roll-offs for bulk trash. The effort is intended to help eliminate trash and create a visibly appealing, comfortable, and secure community in the 22-block area.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$20,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For support of the Home Maintenance Program for low-income, elderly homeowners in Southeast Baltimore. The purpose of the program is to assist the elderly to remain in their homes; improve the safety and livability of the neighborhood housing stock; and enhance neighborhood stability by responding to home maintenance calls, making minor repairs, and helping to negotiate upkeep issues.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.