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

Herring Run Watershed Association

$5,000 / 2008 / Environment
Toward final construction costs of the Herring Run Watershed Center, a renovated corner storefront incorporating many “green technologies” leading to a LEED-silver certificate and aimed at reducing energy costs. This project serves as an energy-efficient model for other neighborhood rowhouses.

High Zero Foundation

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
Challenge grant for continued support of the High Zero 2008 Festival of Experimental Improvised Music. The four-day event, now receiving national and international notice, attracts high quality avant-garde musicians from around the world to participate in all new collaborations with Baltimore musicians.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$26,856 / 2008 / Community Development
For energy management and security system expenses of 901 North Milton Avenue in the Madison East End neighborhood. This newly renovated 55,000-square-foot building is fully leased with nonprofit and minority-owned business tenants at affordable rents, and serves as a community center.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc. (HEBCAC)

$90,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Three-year funding to provide mental health screening, education, and treatment for youth enrolled in the HEBCAC Youth Opportunity employment and training program. In partnership with Johns Hopkins Center for Adolescent Health, the program will focus on mental health education and staff training to address mental health needs of clients and increase the capacity to provide on-site treatment. By reducing the stigma associated with mental health treatment, the program anticipates that more clients will access available on-site mental health services. The program will track data on length and type of services received, retention in the program, GED attainment, and job placement.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$75,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For support of “Housing First,” a program designed to reduce chronic homelessness by providing immediate access to permanent housing, coupled with voluntary services to address underlying problems, such as mental illness and addictions. Funds from the grant will address legal issues related to the administration of the program, how candidates for the program are identified and assessed, and how to assure the legal rights of homeless individuals.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.