Read our 2024 Annual Report

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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

Bright Hope House, Inc.

$56,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Emergency funding to cover interim operating costs of a residential drug treatment program in Sandtown-Winchester, until Bright Hope House becomes certified as a fee-for-service provider.

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued funding of the three-year Threshold to Recovery initiative. The program seeks to demonstrate that threshold centers are a low-cost, high-volume, and effective means of increasing access to treatment, retaining patients in treatment, and sustaining recovery. Threshold centers distinguish themselves from other drug treatment centers in that they remain open for extended hours, accept walk-ins, and offer alternative healing therapies such as Tai Chi, acupuncture, and meditation.

The Baltimore Station

$250,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant for capital expansion and renovation of a residential substance abuse program serving homeless men in South Baltimore. The new 10,000-square-foot facility will include living space for an additional 41 men, which will increase Baltimore Station’s shelter capacity to 91.

Baltimore Prevention Coalition

$5,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of furniture, appliances, and related expenses for Beginning Effective Recovery Together, a transitional recovery program for women recovering from substance abuse. The purpose of the program is to reduce the recidivism rate by creating a safe, stable, and supportive environment for women with HIV or at risk of HIV infection.

Baltimore City Council

$5,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of the Baltimore City Citizen-Led Court Monitoring Program. The purpose of the monitoring, operating within the criminal justice system in Baltimore, is to ensure that there is accountability and transparency for those involved in proceedings.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.