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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Inc. (BBBSCM)

$100,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For continued support and expansion of the Amachi mentoring program, designed to provide emotional support to 650 children of incarcerated parents. The program links these children with adult mentors, provides professional case management support, and engages the incarcerated in a mentoring program designed to facilitate a comfortable transition after release. BBBSCM will collect data on outcomes, including school performance, substance use, and relationships with peers and adults, so as to keep a measure on how effectively the program is working.

BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc.

$75,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the BioSTART and Laboratory Associates Programs. BioSTART, a 12-week bridge program, has been developed to introduce Baltimore residents to bioscience terminology, employment possibilities, laboratory procedures, and laboratory math. Upon successful completion, students move on to the Laboratory Associates Program that includes nine-week laboratory classes, followed by three-week internships. The internships qualify the applicants for entry-level laboratory positions with average starting wages of 12 per hour, plus benefits.

Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

$18,860 / 2007 / Education
Two grants to support tutoring, a meal plan, and a scholarship for a former Baraka School student.

Bright Hope House, Inc.

$56,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Emergency funding to cover interim operating costs of a residential drug treatment program in Sandtown-Winchester, until Bright Hope House becomes certified as a fee-for-service provider.

Building STEPS, Inc.

$30,000 / 2007 / Education
For expansion of a science and technology college access program for an additional 20 underserved students in two to three Baltimore City public schools. Beginning in 11th grade, the program is designed to recruit students who have an interest in science, technology, and math, and who have average grades. During the course of the year, the students will be exposed to science and technology-based professionals through monthly off-campus seminar series. The seminars will be followed by placements in summer internships with companies focusing on science and technology. Throughout the 12th grade, STEPS will assist in the college application process and free SAT tutoring. After the students matriculate in college, the STEPS staff will maintain contact with them and encourage graduation, to ensure employment in promising science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.