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

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$99,814 / 2005 / Education
For expansion of Experience Corps to five additional underperforming Baltimore City public schools. The demonstration project provides trained senior volunteers to tutor students; each senior tutor is paired with a classroom teacher to assist with classroom logistics, provide support with student behavior problems, and one-on-one remediation.

Health Care for the Homeless

$5,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of furniture and other household items for use by homeless persons moving from the streets and shelters into housing, through auspices of the Housing First Project.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$125,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For general support of a partnership of banks, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations committed to strengthening ten underserved neighborhoods. The intent is to increase home values, market the communities, create high standards for property improvement, and increase the level of renovation and investment. Included are Midtown, Reservoir Hill, Garwyn Oaks, Patterson Park, Belair Edison, Greater Mondawmin, neighborhoods of Greater Lauraville, Charles Village, Southeast Baltimore, and Ednor Gardens.

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.

Herring Run Watershed Association

$55,000 / 2005 / Environment
Two grants toward renovation of the Herring Run Watershed Center responding to “green technologies” that have been developed to reduce residential energy costs. The green plan includes the installation of a bamboo floor, solar hot water heating system, cistern to gather rainwater, and use of green-friendly materials. With the expectation that this effort should reduce energy costs by 30 percent, the storefront rowhouse will serve as a model for other neighborhood rowhouses.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.