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

Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance

$5,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Organizational start-up costs to develop a network of businesses and citizens promoting the development of the local economy and increasing the sustainability of business practices. Activities include an educational and marketing campaign encouraging Baltimore area residents to buy food, goods, and services from local, independently owned businesses and farms; a pilot recycling program in ten schools; and development of a biofuel cooperative.

Children’s Scholarship Fund

$25,000 / 2006 / Education
To provide tuition assistance for children of low-income families to attend parochial or private schools in Baltimore City. By offering four-year partial tuition grants, the Children’s Scholarship Fund enables children to attend schools of their choice.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association.

$84,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support for the development of Baltimore Area Association of Supportive Housing (BAASH), a professional association for those who provide safe and affordable housing to ex-offenders and former addicts. BAASH is committed to strengthening and improving services to individuals in recovery through the development of voluntary standards of care, a peer network, professional training, and technical assistance.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association.

$15,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the eviction reform initiative in Baltimore City. CPHA will host workshops and disseminate educational materials through print, electronic newsletters, the web, and community meetings, encouraging a prohibition of placing tenant property in the public right-of-way, and requiring landlords to take responsibility for disposal of the property.

Civil Justice, Inc.

$69,250 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding for support of the Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Project. The purpose of the project is to provide direct legal representation to a limited number of victims of foreclosure rescue fraud. The project will assess the effectiveness of the Protection of Homeowners of Foreclosure Act of 2005.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.