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

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.

Good Shepherd Center

$35,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward renovations to the Good Shepherd Center, a residential treatment facility providing services to troubled adolescent females. Renovations are being made in the physical plant to meet the special needs of residents with emotional disorders.

Greater Baltimore Committee Foundation, Inc .

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For a research paper to determine whether expanded gaming would have a positive impact on economic development in Maryland.

Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance/ Creativity in Education Art Everyday

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
For support of an event featuring keynote speaker Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally recognized authority on creativity in education, for an audience of educators and arts professionals.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$45,000 / 2008 / Education
Two grants for expansion of the Experience Corps tutoring and mentoring programs in Baltimore City public elementary schools identified as “low performing.” Currently, 325 Senior Corps members, paired with classroom teachers, work in 19 Baltimore City elementary schools, providing one-on-one remediation, assistance with classroom logistics, and classroom- management support 15 hours per week.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.