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

Santa Claus Anonymous

$5,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For the support of the 2008 Santa Claus Anonymous Campaign.

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

$91,280 / 2008 / Education
Toward support of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ Youth Achieving Potential program. The program offers career assessment, paid work experiences, and placement services for 80 high school seniors with special needs from four Baltimore City public schools. After being placed in jobs, participants receive six months of counseling to help ensure appropriate on-the-job performance.

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc. (SOBER)

$20,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For general operating support and to fund the program’s energy assistance grants. Each month, SOBER provides food supplies in the form of snack bags to the homeless, three-day supplies for individuals and families, and basic necessities to more than 290 clients. Energy assistance grants are awarded to up to 100 clients who have received utility turn-off notices.

South Baltimore Learning Center

$22,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
Toward a literacy skills program for adults at the Eastside Career Center. The program enables students to advance at least one grade level by the end of the first 72-hour session. After completing the second session, students are referred to other employment training programs.

Southeast Community Development Corporation

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward expenses to extend the Baltimore Sculpture Project to the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District. Five works of art are temporarily installed in Patterson Park to help stimulate interest in a sustained public arts program for Highlandtown.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.