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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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Mercy Health Services, Inc .

$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To help underwrite expenses related to the Supportive Housing Program and Family Violence Response Program designed to support homeless and low-income persons in Baltimore City. The program provides one-on-one and group counseling for shelter residents.

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the development of a plan to guide the city toward a coordinated approach to the needs of Baltimore’s ex-offender population. The plan includes an evaluation of existing re-entry programs, feasibility of expanding programs, and consideration of consolidating existing resources into a one-stop center.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$50,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To support the Baltimore CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign. The initiative, a free income tax preparation service, is designed to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Its goal is to increase the number of tax returns prepared for low-income taxpayers eligible to receive the EITC.

Maryland Society for Sight

$19,970 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Expansion Program. The program’s van visits five locations each month and provides free eye examinations and glasses.

Maryland Food Bank

$100,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward capital expenditures related to the renovation of an 87,000 square-foot warehouse to be used as the headquarters of Maryland’s redistribution center of surplus and reusable food. The food is donated by the food industry to more than 900 community food providers statewide, including soup kitchens, food pantries, emergency shelters, and school pantries. It is expected that the food bank will be able to increase the amount of food distributed by 30 percent within three years.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.