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

Marian House

$62,400 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding to support salaries and benefits of a case manager and employment counselor for Serenity Place, a permanent housing facility for Marian House graduates. By providing stable housing, the program intends to increase the potential for women to obtain employment, while promoting self-worth and confidence.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of Dee’s Place, a 24-hour substance abuse recovery center serving residents in East Baltimore. As a key partner in the Threshold to Recovery initiative, Dee’s Place offers counseling, auricular acupuncture, case management, mental health services, referrals for jobs, housing, and counseling programs throughout the night, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Foundation of Hope, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase of furniture, appliances, and related expenses of a new Single Occupancy Residency for men recovering from alcohol and substance abuse.

Foundation of Hope, Inc.

$25,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For operating costs to provide supportive housing for 13 men and 20 women in Baltimore City who are recovering from substance abuse. Fountain of Hope operates five houses with minimum stays of six months, during which time clients seek and secure employment, enroll in a higher education program, and participate in ongoing self-help groups. Residents may stay as long as one year if they need additional time to make the transition back into the community.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association

$85,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of Access to Housing, a program designed to set standards for housing of homeless, ex-offenders, and recovering addicts. Baltimore Area Association for Supportive Housing (BAASH) will continually assess quality of housing for the homeless, and provide guidance on best practices. BAASH will train and provide technical assistance to new providers upon request.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.