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 Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies

$70,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
Third-year funding for staffing costs of a Senior Research Analyst position for the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board. The analyst will determine the effectiveness of the ex-offender Re-Entry Center at Mondawmin Mall.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

$50,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of a two-year hospital-based buprenorphine project. The project identifies heroin-addicted patients who frequently use emergency rooms or other hospital services for primary health reasons and, through a specifically designed buprenorphine intervention, connects the patient to treatment.

The Johns Hopkins University/Center for Social Organization of Schools

$9,830 / 2005 / Education
Second-year funding for an evaluation of the Educational Opportunity Program at the two new high schools located at the Southwestern High School Campus. This study will help to determine whether the program warrants expansion.

The Johns Hopkins University/Center for Social Organization of Schools

$5,000 / 2005 / Education
To update “New Teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools, 1999-2004,” with 2004-2005 data that provides an assessment of each newly hired teacher and will help determine retention rates and percentages of teachers becoming certified.

The Loading Dock

$100,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For purchase, renovation, and relocation costs of a new facility to provide affordable recycled building materials for housing and community improvement. By doubling the size of its facility, the Loading Dock will be able to serve more customers in Baltimore City and in metropolitan area.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.