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

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc.

$56,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding for the implementation of Project HEALTH, an initiative to place college student volunteers in public health settings to serve low-income families in Baltimore City. Comprehensive family help desks at two clinics will be staffed by trained student volunteers who will work with families to provide access to needed services and resources.

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc.

$5,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
To assist pregnant women and children in Baltimore City obtain proof of citizenship or identification in order to obtain insurance coverage under the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$38,376 / 2006 / Education
For expansion of the 2006-2007 Chess Education Project, an after-school program for elementary school students in 50 Baltimore City public schools. The long-term strategy is to increase the number of after-school chess clubs, provide chess instruction to teachers and coaches, sponsor chess activities in the community, and place Baltimore City students at competitive regional and national tournaments.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$30,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Baltimore Stars Basketball Program for 120 inner-city boys, ages 8 to 17. This program provides the boys with an opportunity to compete in the AAU state and national basketball tournaments, and an incentive to maintain good grades and positive behavior on and off the court. Mentoring, tutoring, and SAT preparation assistance are available to all Stars players.

Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.

$30,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For an independent audit of treatment-utilization data submitted by substance-abuse treatment providers. The purpose of the audit is to assess the timeliness and accuracy of data collected by the BSAS-funded substance-abuse treatment providers, and to increase the efficiency of the system and accessibility of treatment slots.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.