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

Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation

$30,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Third-year support of the Bon Secours Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program (YEEP), designed to break the cycle of low graduation rates and poor employment histories. YEEP has been developed to help 90 high school youth living or going to school in Southwest Baltimore obtain after-school and summer employment, and plan careers. The program offers 12 training sessions in job readiness, leadership, and job placement; six weeks of bi-weekly financial literacy classes; and career/post-high school education classes.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
In support of Amachi, a mentoring program for children whose parent (or parents) are incarcerated. The program will place 335 children with adult mentors. It is expected that the selective placements will lead to improvement in the children’s school performance and help in combating substance abuse, increase children’s and parents’ self-confidence, and stabilize relationships among peers and teachers.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Patterson Park Youth Program, developed to provide activities for more than 400 neighborhood children. The program includes support of basketball and football leagues, reading and art clubs, and a summer youth employment program. Adult volunteers serve as coaches, mentors, teachers, and tutors.

The Baltimore Station (formerly South Baltimore Homeless Shelter)

$75,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward start-up and operating costs of the renovated Seton Hill fire station, now operating as a residential addiction recovery program for homeless men. With a 25-bed capacity, Seton Hill offers long-term supportive transitional services that address drug and alcohol addiction.

Baltimore Stars Coalition/AAU

$38,600 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Four grants toward operating costs of the Baltimore Stars Basketball Program, serving 8- to 17-year-old inner-city boys. Formed as a cooperative effort among Baltimore City recreation centers, the coalition selects the players it feels are best qualified to represent Baltimore City in state and national competitions.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.