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

Towson University

$100,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For the implementation of an oral health intervention program serving up to 100 homeless persons at the Helping Up Mission. The program will provide follow-up oral health care to clients with oral-health needs identified through on-site screenings or referred by Helping Up Mission’s case managers.

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc. (SOBER)

$15,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For general support and for the energy assistance program. SOBER provides food supplies and other basic necessities to more than 250 clients per month. Energy assistance grants are awarded to up to 100 clients who have received utility turn-off notices.

Sandi’s Learning Center

$100,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Continued capital support toward completion of a daycare center in the Rosemont neighborhood of West Baltimore. The center will provide developmental and educational childcare and after-school services for 200 children from birth to 12.

Santa Claus Anonymous

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For support of the 2007 Santa Claus Anonymous Campaign.

The Samaritan Center

$50,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Eviction Prevention Assistance program at the Samaritan Center. In addition to providing a one-time only grant for past-due rent and requiring each client to contribute toward the unpaid rent balance, the center will assist clients in applying for food stamps, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits, and with problems of unemployment and substance abuse.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.