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

New Leaders for New Schools

$110,000 / 2005 / Education
For support of the New Leaders-Baltimore program, designed to recruit principals for Baltimore City public schools. New Leaders will train eight to ten prospective principals during six weeks of course work at the Summer Foundations Institute. Each will participate in a year-long, full-time residency, serving alongside a mentor principal. Once placed as a principal, each participant will receive two years of coaching and support.

New Vision House of Hope Transitional Program

$19,938 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the purchase of a 12-passenger van to transport clients to work, treatment programs, Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and medical appointments.

Office of the Mayor

$65,000 / 2005 / Education
For support of the Baltimore City Mayoral Fellowships, Summer 2005. The fellowships are designed to increase the number of talented graduate and undergraduate students working in Baltimore City government.

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

$39,543 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of the Hidden Gardens HIV and Substance Abuse Program, a buprenorphine detoxification and stabilization program for HIV-positive heroin users in the Park Heights Avenue corridor.

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Hooked on Sports program serving more than 1,200 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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.