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

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

$43,989 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Family Planning Initiative at the Center for Addiction and Pregnancy. The purpose of the initiative is to provide family planning education and counseling to high-risk, substance-abusing women who are pregnant or have young children.

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

$150,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
To provide security deposits and post-placement transportation assistance to families moving to low-poverty areas outside Baltimore City through the Special Mobility Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The Hiding Place

$5,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of furnishings for a transitional facility to house young women and their children. During their nine-month stay, clients will receive meals, transportation, medical and mental health care, and training in parenting and life skills.

East Baltimore Christian Athletic Association

$10,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For support of after-school and summer youth athletic programs for 190 inner-city children, ages 9 to 17. Adult volunteers will coach and teach participants the fundamentals of playing organized sports and will instill values of sportsmanship.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Amachi mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents. The program aims to match at least 400 children of incarcerated parents with adult mentors, provide professional case management support, and engage incarcerated parents in the mentoring process to facilitate a comfortable transition after release.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.