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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Chesapeake Center for Youth Development, Inc.

$29,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Capital funding for Phase Two of the Millennium Renovation Project to include a library, private counseling offices, and additional classrooms. The Chesapeake Center, operating as an alternative school, provides year-round instruction and supportive services for students referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The goal is to prepare students for return to a former school, to earn a GED, or to receive pre-employment training.

BUILD Fellowship, Inc.

$5,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward general operating expenses for outreach programs serving men and women recovering from substance abuse.

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

$20,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For an evaluation of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). ASI is the substance abuse assessment tool currently mandated by the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration for use by treatment providers receiving state funding, including those in Baltimore City. The study will help determine the effectiveness of the assessment.

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

$50,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of the Threshold to Recovery program initiative, which seeks to demonstrate that threshold centers are a low-cost, high volume, and effective means of increasing access to treatment, retaining people in treatment, and sustaining recovery. Threshold centers are different from traditional drug treatment centers in that they are open for extended hours, accept walk-ins, and offer alternative healing therapies such as Tai Chi, acupuncture, and meditation.

The Baltimore Station

$50,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant for the second year of funding in support of operating costs of Seton Hill Station, a residential addiction recovery program for homeless men. With plans to expand its treatment capacity from 25 to 40 beds, Seton Hill Station offers long-term transitional services that address drug and alcohol addiction. Residents are encouraged to participate in life skills and job training, and to find employment and permanent housing.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.