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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore Police Department

$200,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the cost of hiring nine retired police officers to monitor 82 closed circuit television cameras in three areas of the city: Greenmount Avenue, Monument Street, and Park Heights Avenue. The purpose of the “CitiWatch: Active Monitoring and Crime Prevention” initiative is to ensure the safety of Baltimore’s residents, workers, and visitors.

Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc.

$218,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year support of the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment Team (FACTT), offering mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and health care to ex-offenders. This program supports those with severe mental illness who are functionally impaired and at high risk of inpatient hospitalization. Maintaining a link with the criminal justice system, FACTT will provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The intent is to reduce the rates of recidivism, homelessness, and anti-social behavior.

Baltimore City Healthy Start, Inc.

$127,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide support for transitional housing and community outreach services for the Recovery In Community (RIC) outpatient substance abuse treatment program. As a state-certified facility, RIC offers on-site case management, auricular acupuncture, outreach services, assistance in finding employment, and rehabilitative services.

The Valleys Planning Council, Inc.

$12,500 / 2005 / Environment
Challenge grant for the support of a rural roads study in Baltimore County. The purpose of the study is to develop alternative design standards that will retain the rural and historic character of the areas zoned for rural conservation. The model may be adopted by other surrounding counties.

South River Federation

$5,000 / 2005 / Environment
Continued support for the South Riverkeeper initiative. The Riverkeeper serves as an advocate for the health of South River, monitoring and assessing the water quality and ecology of the river, and expanding the public’s understanding of individual and collective actions that affect the health of the river.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.