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

The ETV Endowment of South Carolina

$50,000 / 2008 / Environment
For the development of research and supporting materials for the production of a one-hour documentary on the Chesapeake Bay, “Poisoned Waters,” for PBS Frontline to be aired in the spring of 2009. The focus is to inform the public about the relationships among the health of the bay, the local economy, and regional natural resources.

The Hiding Place

$5,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
Toward the completion of upgrades to a residential housing facility for homeless women and their infants. Upgrades include a new oil burner, vinyl siding, and replacement of all downspouts.

The Humanitarian, Inc.

$14,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
For support of mentor training materials, trainer/consultant, and mentoring screening fees to expand an after-school mentoring program for 80 at-risk youth in selected West Baltimore communities. Up to 40 mentors, trained by consultants certified by the Maryland Mentoring Partnership, will commit to participate in the program for at least one year and meet with the mentee for at least eight hours a month. The mentors will focus on helping each mentee reach his or her goals and develop decision-making skills.

The Ingenuity Project

$390,000 / 2008 / Education
For support of the 2008-2009 Ingenuity Project, a gifted and talented math, science, and research program at three Baltimore City public middle schools and one flagship high school. Qualified students are identified and exposed to a program designed to develop them into nationally competitive, college-bound math, science, and engineering students.

The Light of Truth Center, Inc .

$5,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase of home furnishings for a transitional housing facility serving women recovering from substance abuse. The program’s participants remain in residence from nine months to two years.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.