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 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

$50,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of a two-year hospital-based buprenorphine project. The project identifies heroin-addicted patients who frequently use emergency rooms or other hospital services for primary health reasons and, through a specifically designed buprenorphine intervention, connects the patient to treatment.

Jobs, Housing & Recovery, Inc. (JHR)

$50,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant for operational support for Carrington House, a structured alcohol and drug recovery program following the Delancey Street model. As does Delancey Street, JHR strives to support itself through private enterprises while providing housing, job training, and education to individuals in recovery.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$100,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of Dee’s Place, a 24-hour substance abuse recovery center serving residents of East Baltimore. During the day, Dee’s Place offers counseling and referrals for jobs and for other needs. During the night, it offers continuous 12-Step meetings from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Helping Up Mission

$250,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant for capital expansion and renovations of the Spiritual Recovery Program, a residential recovery program at 1023 East Baltimore Street for homeless ex-offenders in Baltimore City. The program provides a structured therapeutic community with supporting services, including legal, computer literacy, work therapy, job placement assistance, and health education.

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$25,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For an evaluation of Power Inside, an outreach program serving 200 women affected by incarceration, street life, and abuse. The program offers direct client services, leadership development, and public education to help build self-sufficiency, heal from violence, and avoid criminal justice system contact.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.