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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Paul’s Place, Inc.

$150,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
Toward improvements to the first and second floors and elevator, and for the purchase of furnishings, equipment, and playground equipment for a community outreach center serving poor and marginalized residents of Pigtown.

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports program serving more than 1,200 Baltimore City public school students. The program, which includes lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, and soccer, provides opportunities for organized and safe after-school activity. Participants are required to maintain at least a C average and 90 percent attendance.

National Heritage Foundation/B-SPIRIT-A2Y

$15,200 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For support of the B-SPIRIT-A2Y after-school mentoring and tutoring program for at-risk adolescents in the Park Heights community.

Maryland Salem Children’s Trust

$50,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
Toward construction costs of a centralized school building for special education programs for up to 37 at-risk children, primarily residents at Salem, a residential foster care facility for children ages six to 18 who have been abused and unable to attend regular school.

Maryland Regional Practitioners’ Network

$5,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
Planning grant for the development of Boys to Men, a pregnancy prevention program for eighth-grade boys in Baltimore City public schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.