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

On Our Shoulders, Inc.

$15,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a 15-passenger van in order to provide transportation for youth from surrounding West Baltimore neighborhoods, enabling them to participate in educational, recreational, leadership development, and preventative street gang activities.

Nehemiah House, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Emergency funding toward the purchase of new bedroom furnishings for the homeless shelter.

Mission Possible Ministries, Inc.

$20,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For capital expenses for a new facility to provide shelter and services to 21 homeless men in West Baltimore. The Ministries offer clean, safe furnished rooms, two meals a day, and assistance in finding employment and permanent housing. The average stay is 18 months, during which time the men are expected to find employment and become self-sufficient.

Mental Health Policy Institute for Leadership and Training, Inc.

$40,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Poverty and Depression Initiative. The program provides educational services to low-income Baltimore City residents about mental health disorders and substance abuse issues at three sites: the Men’s Health Center, Healthy State, and Rose Street Community Center.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$35,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For support of public education, maintenance, and strengthening the Health Care for All! Coalition. The program functions in a population where more than 21 percent do not have medical insurance and, consequently, need to learn health care options. The objectives of the coalition are to educate the public about Maryland’s current health care system and the benefits available to the uninsured and underinsured, and to build grassroots support for a universal health care plan.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.