Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports program serving at least 1,100 Baltimore City public school students in grades 4 through 12. Along with coaching and tutoring, participants receive training in the fundamentals of organized sports, teamwork, and fair play. The coaches monitor participants’ academic achievement and school attendance.

National Heritage Foundation/B-SPIRIT-A2Y

$40,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For expansion of the B-SPIRIT-A2Y after-school mentoring and tutoring program for 100 at-risk adolescents in the Park Heights community. The program incorporates academic, cultural, recreational, and community service activities in a safe environment for 12 hours each week.

NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of educational services for low-income Baltimore City families with children who are affected by mental illness. NAMI will identify at least ten new partner agencies offering to host workshops for 500 families of children with mental illnesses.

Mental Health Policy Institute for Leadership and Training, Inc.

$43,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Poverty and Depression Initiative, which provides screening and treatment to low-income Baltimore City residents at three community-based service agencies. The project will conduct a minimum of 125 medical evaluations for psychiatric care, provide group or individual therapy to at least 200 clients, and provide ongoing education about depression.

Maryland Society for Sight

$19,900 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Expansion Program. The program’s van visits seven locations each month. In an effort to prevent loss of vision and blindness through early detection and education, the staff provides eye examinations and glasses to more than 500 homeless and indigent people in Baltimore City each year.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.