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

Prisoners Aid Association of Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the acquisition and renovation of an additional facility of the Female Transitional Housing Program, serving women who are homeless and/or ex-offenders. The expansion to the new facility will provide housing and support services for up to 25 women per year.

Progressive Maryland Education Fund

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For support of the fund’s outreach campaign designed to educate the public and mobilize public involvement in the process of resolving Maryland’s fiscal crisis.

Project Garrison/Meet Me Halfway Village Center

$5,000 / 2007 / Education
Toward operating support of an in-school mentoring program for at-risk students at Garrison Middle School and Forest Park High School.

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For continued support of the Tenant Advocacy Project. The objectives are to reduce the number of eviction cases and the number processed through the court and to eliminate the practice of depositing tenant belongings in the public right-of-way and the cost of chattel pickup and disposal.

Rebuilding Together Baltimore

$25,000 / 2007 / Community Development
To fund the salary of a part-time program manager. The program manager’s responsibilities include client relations, and volunteer and contractor management. This intensive oversight will help Rebuilding Together Baltimore to increase the numbers of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly, disabled, and families with children, served in targeted neighborhoods.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.