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

The Shepherd’s Clinic

$250,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding toward the purchase of a new building at 2800 Kirk Avenue for expansion of health services for uninsured working poor.

Transitioning Lives, Inc.

$39,955 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two grants toward renovations for expansion of the Transitioning Lives Permanent Housing project to help meet the shortage of permanent housing for ex-offenders.

University of Maryland Baltimore County

$112,356 / 2006 / Education
For a four-year evaluation of the Core Knowledge Preschool Program in Baltimore City’s Southeast Community Organization (SECO) Head Start Centers. The purpose is to assess the progress of children attending the Core Knowledge program for two consecutive years, as compared to those attending for one year, in academic readiness, social skill competencies, and language development.

University of Maryland Medical System Foundation.

$60,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward staffing costs of the Violence Intervention Project. The project will provide support services and community links to repeat victims of violence.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

$100,000 / 2006 / Health and Human Services
For implementation of mental health services for children at Baybrook and Patapsco Elementary/Middle Schools in Baltimore City. The Johns Hopkins Center for Prevention and Early Intervention will implement a curriculum that focuses on teaching children self-control and problem-solving skills, as well as developing positive school environments and improving relationships among teachers, students, and families. Support services will include group therapy, individual, and family interventions. The program will assess the impact of the prevention models on student behaviors, school attendance, and grades.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.