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

Humanim, Inc.

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

Seed funding for Reality Resource Group, a residential housing program providing support for four Baltimore City residents recovering from substance abuse.

Incentive Mentoring Program

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
For support of the Incentive Mentoring Program at Dunbar High School, including community service activities, a summer camp, and SAT tutoring.

Institute of Notre Dame

$83,600 / 2008 / Education
To provide four-year Abell Foundation scholarships for two academically talented minority students from low-income families in the East Baltimore community. Each student is expected to maintain a GPA of 85 percent or better and participate in one extra-curricular program each year.

Job Opportunities Task Force

$5,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
Toward support of the Baltimore Food Service and Lodging Sector study, which will provide an overview of the employment outlook of the sector; a description of types of employment opportunities available to Baltimore City residents; a discussion of challenges and opportunities regarding job quality, retention, and advancement; and information regarding careers.

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

$24,754 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
To develop and disseminate a report on the potential effects of an alcohol tax increase on the public health and economy in Maryland.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.