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

Koinonia Baptist Church

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For removal of lead in metal windows in a building that houses a day care program for toddlers.

Learning, Inc.

$25,000 / 2007 / Education
For continued support and expansion of The Learning Cooperative, a dropout prevention program for at-risk and over-age middle school students in Baltimore City public schools. The Learning Cooperative is an alternative to the traditional school setting, and offers an experimental curriculum to engage students in challenging individual and team-building initiatives, conflict-resolution training, environmental sciences, fine arts, job readiness community service, and life skills.

Legal Aid Bureau, Inc.

$75,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Child Support/Barriers to Employment Project, an initiative to address the financial needs of noncustodial parents with child support obligations. The project will provide individual representation to at least 200 noncustodial parents and work with the Child Support Enforcement Administration to identify and implement changes in polices and practices so that case managers act in the best interests of the children.

Lion Heart Project, Inc.

$62,040 / 2007 / Education
For the implementation of the Lion Heart Program, a mentoring program for 60 at-risk males at Harford Heights Middle School. After identifying at-risk students, the program provides information, resources, and support to help ensure good citizenship and on-time high school graduation.

Madison Square Bucs Inner City Youth Program, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For general support of the Madison Square Buccaneers’ basketball programs for more than 180 inner-city children, ages six to 14. Operated by volunteer coaches, the program focuses on teaching basketball fundamentals while emphasizing academic achievement. The in-house league and tournament play allows the children to participate in an instructional and competitive environment, and so benefit from the diversity they encounter in different regions and schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.