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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Transitioning Lives, Inc.

$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
A challenge grant for the expansion of services provided by a residential re-entry program for ex-offenders. Transitioning Lives houses six men in a structured, residential environment for a period of up to six months. Each resident is expected to participate in substance abuse and vocational counseling, NA/AA meetings; to contribute toward rent and food; and to participate in housecleaning and kitchen responsibilities.

A Step Forward, Inc.

$35,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
In support of a residential program for men and women with histories of addiction released from prison and returning to society. A Step Forward manages five transitional houses for ex-offenders and operates as a certified halfway house.

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc.

$15,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For partial funding of food pantry and energy assistance programs serving more than 150 clients per month.

The Shepherd’s Clinic

$49,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward malpractice insurance required for the clinic to provide free or minimal cost primary medical and dental care to uninsured persons in Baltimore City.

The Samaritan Center

$50,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued funding of the Travel Voucher Program, which helps homeless people in need of travel assistance. The programs provide bus vouchers to more than 400 homeless people who want to leave Baltimore to reunite with family, find employment, or receive treatment for substance abuse.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.