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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

The Baltimore Station (formerly South Baltimore Homeless Shelter)

$75,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward start-up and operating costs of the renovated Seton Hill fire station, now operating as a residential addiction recovery program for homeless men. With a 25-bed capacity, Seton Hill offers long-term supportive transitional services that address drug and alcohol addiction.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$38,600 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Four grants toward operating costs of the Baltimore Stars Basketball Program, serving 8- to 17-year-old inner-city boys. Formed as a cooperative effort among Baltimore City recreation centers, the coalition selects the players it feels are best qualified to represent Baltimore City in state and national competitions.

Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc.

$86,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the implementation of a pilot project designed by the Mental Health Policy Institute for Leadership and Training. The project provides mental health treatment to low-income people suffering from depression, and not currently accessing care through the public mental health system.

Baltimore City Healthy Start, Inc.

$60,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To complete the renovation of a seven-bedroom house and adjoining Laundromat in Southwest Baltimore for use as a transitional housing facility for Recovery In Community (RIC) clients. As a state-certified outpatient program, RIC offers outreach, comprehensive on-site case management, on-site auricular acupuncture, and help in finding employment.

Baltimore ACORN/American Institute for Social Justice

$74,450 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing of the Environmental Justice Initiative, a lead paint abatement initiative. The program combines grassroots outreach, education, lead testing, and legal advocacy, in targeted, high-risk neighborhoods in the Park Heights area. By designing a self-assessment checklist and action plan for parents and day care providers, ACORN inspectors (with the consent of tenants) will test the properties for lead poisoning and file court orders to have landlords clean up properties not in compliance.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.