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

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Hooked on Sports program for more than 1,100 Baltimore City public school students. The program, which includes lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, and soccer, provides opportunities for organized and safe after-school activity. Participants are required to maintain at least a C average and 90 percent attendance.

Park West Health System, Inc./ Park West Medical Center

$55,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the establishment of the Hidden Gardens HIV and Substance Abuse Program, a buprenorphine detoxification and stabilization initiative designed to address the problem of HIV-positive heroin users in the Park Heights corridor. Buprenorphine reduces the suffering associated with withdrawal; the less painful withdrawal experience increases the likelihood that an addict will complete detoxification, considered the first critical step toward abstinence, and will be more receptive to treatment services offered at the center.

NCADD-Maryland (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence)

$30,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward the cost of a consultant to provide research and policy guidance on drug treatment issues for the general public and policymakers, and oversight for NCADD committees in the area of drug addiction

NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the expansion of educational services designed to reach low-income families in Baltimore City who have children suffering from mental illness. Customized information packets, comprehensive resource notebooks, one-on-one assistance through NAMI’s help line, and a series of workshops addressing child and adolescent mental health issues are made available.

Moveable Feast

$59,333 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Culinary Arts and Life Skills Training Program for unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents. Successful participants of the 12-week program, offered three times a year, receive certificates in culinary arts, CPR, first aid, and safe food handling. Graduates are placed in entry-level food service positions that pay $8.50 an hour, plus benefits.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.