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

East Baltimore Christian Athletic Association

$10,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For support of after-school and summer youth athletic programs for 190 inner-city children, ages 9 to 17. Adult volunteers will coach and teach participants the fundamentals of playing organized sports and will instill values of sportsmanship.

Eastern ShoreLand Conservancy

$30,000 / 2006 / Environment
For the preparation of the “State of the Shore Report,” documenting the effectiveness of land use planning as stipulated in the six-county Eastern Shore 2010 agreement. The report will incorporate recommendations for addressing shortfalls in an effort to support improved land-use awareness and practices.

Educational Opportunity Program

$173,977 / 2006 / Education
For staffing and related expenses to provide a facilitator at each of the two new Southwestern High Schools. The counselors will act as role models, linking students and their families to the school, providing enrichment, tutoring, academics, and social support. The purpose of the program is to increase the high school graduation rate of Baraka School graduates by keeping Educational Opportunity Program students engaged in school activities.

Episcopal Community Services of Maryland

$50,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide supportive housing services for men in the Jericho Program, a re-entry program for ex-offenders. Episcopal Community Services will provide housing stipends to clients while they are preparing for job placement.

Episcopal Housing Corporation

$60,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For staffing costs of a real estate development project manager to expand the capacity of local service providers to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.