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

Rays of Light, Inc .

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of furnishings and appliances for a supportive residential housing program with an emphasis on spiritual healing, for men and women recovering from substance abuse.

Recovery In Community (RIC)

$98,175 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide for transitional housing support and outreach services for clients recovering from substance abuse. RIC is a State of Maryland certified substance abuse treatment program providing comprehensive services to the Franklin Square, Boyd Booth, and Fayette Street communities in Baltimore.

Rose Street Community Center

$300,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For continued support of rehabilitation services for ex-offenders, adults recovering from substance abuse, and at-risk youth. The center provides transitional housing and case management to as many as 32 men per week, providing them with employment opportunities, stipends for living expenses, and referrals to drug-treatment and job-training programs. An average of 45 young adults (half of whom are homeless) participate in mental health counseling, on-site GED classes, homework assistance, and art activities. Daily peer mediation sessions are offered in an effort to help reduce gang-related crime.

Safe and Sound Campaign for Children and Youth, Inc .

$500,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding toward the Public Safety Compact, a pre-release and reentry substance-abuse program for 250 ex-offenders each year. The goal of the program is to increase the chances that ex-offenders can successfully reenter their communities by linking in-patient substance-abuse treatment with community-based case management/reentry services. The early-release clients receive wraparound services, including substance-abuse treatment and residence in halfway houses before reintegrating into family and community.

Saint Frances Academy/Peace Camp

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
To fund a six-week summer camp for 32 third, fourth, and fifth graders. The focus of the camp is the teaching of anger management as an alternative to violent responses popularized in the movies, hand-held video games, and television.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.