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

Harlem Park Buckeyes

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of uniforms and equipment for 150 youth participating in the Harlem Park football program.

East Baltimore Christian Athletic Association/EZRA

$10,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of youth athletic programs for 375 inner-city children, ages nine to 17. Adult volunteers coach and teach fundamentals of playing organized sports while at the same time instilling values of sportsmanship, hard work, discipline, and respect.

B-SPIRIT-A2Y

$40,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of after-school tutoring and mentoring programs for at-risk students in the Park Heights Community. The program, along with tutoring and mentoring, provides utilities, insurance, and security monitoring for the newly renovated and expanded After-School Institute. Located in one of the poorest and most distressed neighborhoods in Baltimore, B-Spirit offers an opportunity to 50 younger people to take advantage of programming designed to improve their quality of life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Inc. (BBBSCM)

$100,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support and expansion of the Amachi mentoring program, designed to provide emotional support to 650 children of incarcerated parents. The program links these children with adult mentors, provides professional case management support, and engages the incarcerated in a mentoring program designed to facilitate a comfortable transition after release. BBBSCM will collect data on outcomes, including school performance, substance use, and relationships with peers and adults, so as to keep a measure on how effectively the program is working.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation (BNCC)

$25,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Patterson Park Youth Programs, including a basketball and football league, a reading club, an art club, and a youth employment project. Serving a minimum of 300 children and youth from the Patterson Park community, BNCC programs are designed to provide safe and healthy recreation. At least 70 adult volunteers act as coaches, mentors, teachers, and tutors. The summer employment program involves eight young people taking part in keeping Patterson Park and the surrounding blocks clean. The inter-generational activities with adults are expected to build positive generational relationships and reduce neighborhood conflicts.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.