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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS)/Baltimore Freedom Academy

$5,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
Toward costs of Family Matters, a job readiness program operated by BCPSS, designed to develop and implement art workshops for youth and families with young children in an after-school setting. By offering Baltimore Freedom Academy students job readiness skills and opportunities to serve as assistants in art workshops, the program is expected to instill positive work habits.

University of Maryland School of Nursing

$84,339 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
Two-year support of “A Maryland Initiative: Hospitals for a Healthy Environment,” designed to decrease the environmental impact of health care institutions in Maryland. The initiative will focus on encouraging the implementation of environmental health programs in Maryland hospitals, advocating for the reduction of medical waste by recycling and segregation of toxic products, eliminating mercury-containing products in health care facilities, and finding alternatives to medical waste incineration.

University of Maryland Medical System

$50,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Breathmobile program for asthma treatment of inner-city children. The program, which delivers state-of-the-art asthma care in Baltimore City public schools to more than 400 students, has been shown to decrease asthma attacks, absenteeism, and emergency room visits.

University of Maryland Dental School

$165,800 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
To provide dental services to Baltimore City Head Start children. The school’s team will screen children at Head Start centers, and those requiring treatment will receive it.

Umar Youth and Boxing Program, Inc.

$28,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding for the renovation of Umar’s existing facility for expansion of boxing and tutorial programs for 40 at-risk youth. Umar provides an after-school program and full-day summer camp, a computer lab and academic program, including homework assistance by tutors.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.