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

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.

Everyman Theatre, Inc .

$500,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward the renovation of the former Town Theatre, located at Fayette and Eutaw Streets, to create a new, expanded, and permanent home for Everyman Theatre. The four-story building will provide ample space for rehearsal halls; meeting rooms; scene, costume, and prop shops; administrative offices; a lobby; and increased seating capacity in the theater.

Food Research & Action Center

$25,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of Maryland Hunger Solutions, an anti-hunger program for low-income residents of Baltimore City. The purpose of the program is to reduce hunger in Maryland by forming and coordinating a strong, antipoverty coalition, and working on common solutions.

Food Studies Institute

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
For a study on sustainability and issues related to replication and expansion of the “Food Is Elementary” curriculum. The hands-on model introduces and creates awareness about nutritious meals for Baltimore City public school students.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.