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 African American Festival Foundation

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For support of the 2005 African American Heritage Festival, an annual family celebration of the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans. Attracting more than 500,000 visitors each year, the festival showcases education, visual arts, vendors, entertainment, and faith-based organizations serving the community.

The Baltimore Algebra Project

$5,000 / 2005 / Education
For expansion of the Algebra Project tutoring services to Lemmel Middle School. By establishing a group of tutors and a peer-to-peer training system for new tutors, the project is expected to improve student grades and encourage positive attitudes about mathematics.

The Baltimore Station

$50,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Challenge grant for the second year of funding in support of operating costs of Seton Hill Station, a residential addiction recovery program for homeless men. With plans to expand its treatment capacity from 25 to 40 beds, Seton Hill Station offers long-term transitional services that address drug and alcohol addiction. Residents are encouraged to participate in life skills and job training, and to find employment and permanent housing.

The Baraka School, Inc.

$22,520 / 2005 / Education
For expenses associated with maintaining the school property in Kenya, East Africa. The Baraka School, now closed, was a boarding school serving underachieving Baltimore City middle school boys.

The Book Thing of Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For the purchase of a building to expand the distribution of free books to students, teachers, and residents of Baltimore City. Responding to a lack of books in Baltimore City public schools, The Book Thing redistributes more than 20,000 donated books a week.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.