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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc. (BHCA)

$15,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support and expansion of an initiative to assist low-income persons in Baltimore City obtain medical coverage through the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Primary Adult Care Program. In an effort to help clients overcome barriers to health care, BHCA will provide funds to purchase identity and citizenship documents for clients applying for health care programs.

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc. (BHCA)

$50,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For support of a one-year fluoride varnish pilot program for 6,000 low-income Medicaid or uninsured children, ages one to five, in Baltimore City. By partnering with three large pediatric practices: a clinic at the University of Maryland, a community-based clinic operated by Baltimore Medical Systems, and a private practice, BHCA will develop training materials and contract with dental educators who will train pediatricians and nurses to conduct oral health screenings and administer fluoride varnish treatments, and will track the number of children screened and receiving fluoride varnish, then being referred to primary care dental providers.

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.

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.

Towson University

$31,000 / 2007 / Education
Planning grant for the development of the Cherry Hill Learning Zone Initiative, a partnership among the Baltimore City Public School System, Baltimore City, Towson University, and Cherry Hill’s grassroots organizations. After preparing an analysis of the local neighborhood indications and publishing a report, Initiative partners will develop an action plan for specific interventions to address community needs. Outcomes for each intervention will be evaluated and best practices of comprehensive community approaches documented.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.