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

Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation

$60,000 / 2006 / Workforce Development
For support of Project EDGE, a program to encourage professional development in preparation for careers in health care. Training includes remedial coursework in math, reading, nursing skills, and computer skills.

GROUP Ministries, Inc. Baltimore

$107,300 / 2006 / Workforce Development
Capital funding for the purchase of a house to provide job training in home renovations to ex-offenders. The arrangement allows GROUP Ministries to train 20 to 30 men as carpenters, electricians, and plumbing apprentices in preparation for pre-journeyman status. Once completed, the house will be used as a transitional group home for ex-offenders in recovery.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$50,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of Dee’s Place, a 24-hour substance abuse recovery facility serving residents in East Baltimore. As a key partner in the Threshold to Recovery initiative, Dee’s Place offers counseling, auricular acupuncture, wellness, case management, mental health services, referrals for jobs and housing, and 12-step meetings through the night, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

$84,150 / 2006 / Workforce Development
To provide 60 low-cost used cars through the Vehicles for Change program to families participating in the Special Mobility Housing Choice Voucher Program. The recipients will also receive funds for driver education training, licensing, and vehicle registration fees. The purpose of this initiative is to facilitate transportation to and from employment for low-income families who have moved to the suburbs and are poorly served by mass transit.

Housing Authority of Baltimore City

$150,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
To provide security deposits and post-placement transportation assistance to families moving to low-poverty areas outside Baltimore City through the Special Mobility Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.