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

Cecil County Men’s Shelter

$5,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For general support of an emergency and transitional shelter for 15 homeless men in Cecil County. The shelter provides computer training, job skills, job search and placement services, a lunch program, shower and laundry facilities, access to the internet for email and research, as well as clothing, toiletries, furniture, and other household items.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$25,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Patterson Park Youth Program, providing safe, healthy, and engaging activities for more than 400 neighborhood children. The program includes basketball and football leagues, reading and art clubs, and a summer youth employment program. Adult volunteers serve as coaches, mentors, teachers, and tutors.

Baltimore Homeless Services, Inc.

$5,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
To help underwrite the cost of the 2005 Baltimore Homeless Census.

Baltimore Homeless Services, Inc.

$35,431 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For research to support the implementation of the Housing First model in Baltimore City. In partnership with Health Care for the Homeless, the Housing First pilot project team has recruited the homeless from streets and parks, placed them in housing, and linked them to ongoing services. The outcomes of the pilot project will determine whether Housing First should be expanded as a viable strategy to help reduce homelessness.

Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD)

$25,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For support of BCHD’s Transforming Baltimore’s Public Health Clinics project, established to encourage greater utilization of Baltimore’s public clinics.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.