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

Brennan Center for Justice

$25,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of a research project documenting the type of financial obligations ex-offenders face upon release from prison, and the difficulty of attempting a successful re-entry into the community. The findings, along with policy recommendations, will be compiled into a comprehensive report for national distribution.

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

$30,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For an independent audit of treatment-utilization data submitted by substance-abuse treatment providers. The purpose of the audit is to assess the timeliness and accuracy of data collected by the BSAS-funded substance-abuse treatment providers, and to increase the efficiency of the system and accessibility of treatment slots.

Alternative Directions, Inc.

$50,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of the Turn Around Program (TAP), a transition program providing re-entry services, case management, and self- advocacy training for female ex-offenders, both in the correctional facility and upon their release in the community.

A Step Forward

$5,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward stipends to provide nighttime staffing at a licensed halfway house for drug-addicted homeless ex-offenders. By providing nighttime supervision, A Step Forward hopes to increase its retention rate from 45 percent to 75 percent.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

$100,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For implementation of mental health services for children at Baybrook and Patapsco Elementary/Middle Schools in Baltimore City. The Johns Hopkins Center for Prevention and Early Intervention will implement a curriculum that focuses on teaching children self-control and problem-solving skills, as well as developing positive school environments and improving relationships among teachers, students, and families. Support services will include group therapy, individual, and family interventions. The program will assess the impact of the prevention models on student behaviors, school attendance, and grades.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.