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

Harlem Park Buckeyes

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of uniforms and equipment for 150 youth participating in the Harlem Park football program.

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$75,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Costs for expansion of the Baltimore Housing First pilot project for homeless persons with physical and mental disabilities. Based on a national model that places homeless persons in stable housing as a first priority and then follows up with supportive services provided by outreach workers, Baltimore’s project expects to provide permanent housing and supportive services to 100 chronically homeless individuals over a five-year period.

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
To provide emergency shelter for homeless persons with disabilities.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$75,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For general support of a partnership of banks, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations committed to strengthening underserved neighborhoods. The intent is to increase home values, create standards for property improvement, and increase the level of renovation and improvement in participating neighborhoods targeted for revitalization.

Herring Run Watershed Association

$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
For support of the Patapsco/Back River Tributary Team and Stormwater Action Coalition survey of citizen understanding of stormwater impacts, and of actions to be taken designed to reduce contaminated runoff.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.