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

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$125,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Challenge grant for capital renovations and expansion of the Beans & Bread Outreach Center. The proposed renovations will enable Beans & Bread to continue providing needed services, including health care, client advocacy, assistance in accessing public benefits, housing, and legal services.

South Baltimore Improvement Committee, Inc.

$12,500 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For support of the South Baltimore Youth Council, a mentoring and educational program for at-risk youth. The council will conduct a community needs assessment under the guidance of a neighborhood volunteer social worker, and produce an educational video documenting its findings.

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc.

$15,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
To provide food and basic necessities to more than 200 clients per month. In addition, energy-assistance grants will be awarded to clients who have received utility turn-off notices.

The Shepherd’s Clinic

$250,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding toward the purchase of a new building at 2800 Kirk Avenue for expansion of health services for uninsured working poor.

Sandi’s Learning Center

$150,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding toward construction costs of a daycare center in the Rosemont neighborhood of West Baltimore. Within two years, the center will provide high-quality developmental and educational child-care and after-school services for 200 children, from birth to 12.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.