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

Mission Possible Ministries, Inc.

$20,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For capital expenses for a new facility to provide shelter and services to 21 homeless men in West Baltimore. The Ministries offer clean, safe furnished rooms, two meals a day, and assistance in finding employment and permanent housing. The average stay is 18 months, during which time the men are expected to find employment and become self-sufficient.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$32,000 / 2007 / Arts
For support of the 2007-2008 in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 37 Baltimore City public middle schools. Developed to be integrated with core subjects and aligned with the Maryland State Content Standards, the program reinforces students’ reading, writing, and creative skills. The nine-month program provides each teacher with equipment, supplies, a stipend, coaching, professional training workshops, and monthly networking. Student works are exhibited in public venues, while arrangements are made for participating schools to create ceramic murals for permanent installations around Baltimore.

Nehemiah House, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
Emergency funding toward the purchase of new bedroom furnishings for the homeless shelter.

New Leaders for New Schools

$110,000 / 2007 / Education
For continued support of the New Leaders-Baltimore program created to recruit and develop school principals for Baltimore City public schools. The four-year program provides recruiting, training, and placing of a minimum of 40 principals in the schools over a three-year period. Each participant attends a six-week Summer Foundations Institute, undertakes a year-long, full-time residency with a mentor, then after placement, is given two years of professional development, coaching, and support.

New Vision House of Hope Transitional Program

$5,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of new appliances, including washing machines, dryers, and freezers, for a housing program serving men and women recovering from substance abuse.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.