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

Action In Maturity, Inc.

$19,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward the purchase of a mini-bus to provide affordable transportation for low-income senior citizens in Baltimore City. By expanding transportation opportunities, the program seeks to increase mobility of elderly residents, enabling them to maintain their health and independence, and to create desirable neighborhoods and livable communities.

Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY)

$120,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of a community outreach program designed to improve quality-of-life outcomes for Baltimore City children. ACY will be expanding its early targeted interventions for low-performing students and schools, increasing availability of health care, with a focus on preventive services, including dental care. ACY will advocate for the expansion of community-based services and programs for abused, neglected, and delinquent youth so as to allow more children to remain safely in their homes and will advocate for improved quality of case management and services that delinquent youth receive in facilities and after release.

Alliance for Community Trees

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For support of a national conference for urban forestry practitioners and community organizers.

Alternative Directions, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of the Turn About Program, a transitional program that provides reentry services, case management, and self-advocacy training for female ex-offenders.

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$150,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Regional Equity in Housing Project. The purpose is to provide more than 6,000 families the opportunity to move from racially isolated public housing units in Baltimore City to non-impacted, low-poverty, racially integrated neighborhoods throughout the region that offer greater education, employment, and housing opportunities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.