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

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For a consultant’s fee to train Habitat staff on cost-effective techniques for insulating, sealing, and improving energy efficiency of houses they are renovating.

Santa Claus Anonymous

$5,000 / 2007 / Health and Human Services
For support of the 2007 Santa Claus Anonymous Campaign.

Seedco (Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation)

$75,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For continued support of EarnBenefits Baltimore, a Web-based tool that helps individuals and families apply for 26 different federal, state, and city benefits, including Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, the Maryland Health Insurance Plan, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, and the federal Food Stamp Program. The program is designed to streamline eligibility screening application submission, and tracking of submitted applications. Seedco will work with five community-based partners to assist 1,540 individuals in receiving at least one benefit and 385 individuals in receiving multiple benefits.

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

$36,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of an interim methadone maintenance study for clients participating in the Sinai Hospital Addictions Recovery Program. The study has been designed to evaluate both the efficacy and cost benefits of interim methadone treatment as compared with prompt entry into “comprehensive” treatment including counseling on enrollment, heroin use, cocaine use, HIV-risk behavior, and crime.

Skatepark of Baltimore, Inc.

$30,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward planning and pre-development costs of building a public skatepark for Baltimore City skateboarders, bikers, and rollerbladers.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.