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

Sierra Club Maryland, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Philanthropy Network

$105,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of Climate Partners, a coalition of eight organizations that has combined forces to help implement ambitious climate policies under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022.

Learn More

Signal 13 Foundation

$50,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of financial hardship grants and scholarships for Baltimore City police personnel and their families.

Learn More

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

$91,280 / 2008 / Education
Toward support of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ Youth Achieving Potential program. The program offers career assessment, paid work experiences, and placement services for 80 high school seniors with special needs from four Baltimore City public schools. After being placed in jobs, participants receive six months of counseling to help ensure appropriate on-the-job performance.

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

$36,000 / 2007 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of an interim methadone maintenance study for clients participating in the Sinai Hospital Addictions Recovery Program. The study has been designed to evaluate both the efficacy and cost benefits of interim methadone treatment as compared with prompt entry into “comprehensive” treatment including counseling on enrollment, heroin use, cocaine use, HIV-risk behavior, and crime.

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

$150,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For the capital expansion of the Sinai Hospital Addictions Recovery Program. By consolidating all administrative and clinical services into one self-contained facility, the enhancement will improve the efficiency and quality of care and ensure patients’ privacy and confidentiality.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.