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

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

$150,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
To provide security deposits and post-placement transportation assistance to families moving to low-poverty areas outside Baltimore City through the Special Mobility Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The Hiding Place

$5,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of furnishings for a transitional facility to house young women and their children. During their nine-month stay, clients will receive meals, transportation, medical and mental health care, and training in parenting and life skills.

East Baltimore Christian Athletic Association

$10,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For support of after-school and summer youth athletic programs for 190 inner-city children, ages 9 to 17. Adult volunteers will coach and teach participants the fundamentals of playing organized sports and will instill values of sportsmanship.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Amachi mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents. The program aims to match at least 400 children of incarcerated parents with adult mentors, provide professional case management support, and engage incarcerated parents in the mentoring process to facilitate a comfortable transition after release.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$30,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 120 inner-city boys, ages 8 to 17. This program provides the boys with an opportunity to compete in the AAU state and national basketball tournaments, and an incentive to maintain good grades and positive behavior on and off the court. Mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation assistance are available to all Stars players.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.