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 Health Department (BCHD)

$25,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For support of BCHD’s Transforming Baltimore’s Public Health Clinics project, established to encourage greater utilization of Baltimore’s public clinics.

At Jacob’s Well, Inc.

$30,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
A challenge grant toward the conversion of an abandoned building at 337 East 25th Street into three apartments to provide housing and services to homeless and mentally ill persons with little or no income.

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Maryland

$200,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Regional Equity in Housing Project. The project will provide thousands of families with the opportunity to move from inner-city Baltimore to communities that offer greater educational opportunity, employment, housing, and safety. Efforts will be made to reduce regulatory barriers that undermine the ability of low-income families to move into communities of opportunity.

AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc.

$27,500 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
To develop a Comprehensive Youth Services Model for homeless youth and young adults. This program will provide transitional housing, educational and employment training, health care, substance abuse treatment, financial education, and life and social skills counseling. The model is based on national state-of-the-art practices.

Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY)

$66,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For expenses related to the expansion of Baltimore City’s Child Welfare Reform Program. ACY will conduct a “gap analysis” to identify and quantify the need for additional resources to reform the Baltimore City child welfare system, review progress, maintain pressure for reform, and advocate for overhaul of the child welfare data collection and responding system.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.