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

Nehemiah House, Inc.

$5,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of appliances and furniture replacement for a homeless shelter for adult men. Nehemiah House provides shelter and meals, and makes medical/mental health and substance abuse treatment referrals.

Neighbor to Family

$95,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the recruitment, screening, licensing, and training of new foster caregivers for the Neighbor to Family Sibling Foster Care Program in Baltimore City. The addition of 30 new family foster homes will help house and meet the special needs of a minimum of 60 siblings in foster care, and work toward reunification with their biological families whenever possible.

New Leaders for New Schools .

$125,000 / 2008 / Education
For continued support of the fourth year of the New Leaders-Baltimore program created to recruit and develop 15 new principals for Baltimore City public schools over a three-year period. The training program provides a five-week Summer Foundations Institute, a year-long residency working with a mentor principal; placement support; and two additional years of professional development, coaching, and support by veteran principals. In return, New Leaders will make a six-year contractual commitment to the Baltimore City Public School System.

Newborn Holistic Ministries, Inc.

$100,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Challenge grant toward renovation costs of the Harris-Marcus Community Center at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue. This new multi-purpose center will accommodate the Jubilee Arts program serving 600 adults and children, the Martha’s Place program’s consolidated offices, and a neighborhood meeting space.

No Turning Back Supportive Housing for Men

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward renovations to two transitional housing facilities operated by No Turning Back. The facilities provide housing and recovery support for ex-offenders and homeless men.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.