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 Shepherd’s Clinic

$46,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For ongoing support to cover malpractice insurance for volunteer physicians, nurses, and physicians’ assistants who donate medical care to uninsured Baltimore City residents.

The Valleys Planning Council, Inc.

$12,500 / 2005 / Environment
Challenge grant for the support of a rural roads study in Baltimore County. The purpose of the study is to develop alternative design standards that will retain the rural and historic character of the areas zoned for rural conservation. The model may be adopted by other surrounding counties.

TuTTie’s Place

$5,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward moving costs and purchase of new furniture for the offices of a long-term licensed residential group home. The program serves the hardest-to-place adolescent boys, for whom placements in foster care or adoption are not options.

Umar Youth and Boxing Program, Inc.

$28,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding for the renovation of Umar’s existing facility for expansion of boxing and tutorial programs for 40 at-risk youth. Umar provides an after-school program and full-day summer camp, a computer lab and academic program, including homework assistance by tutors.

United Ministries, Inc.

$25,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of the long-term, drug-free Earl’s Place Transitional Housing Project for 17 homeless men, many of whom are HIV positive and recovering from substance abuse. Through residence up to two years, residents are able to obtain a sense of stability, remain drug- and alcohol-free, develop independent living skills, gain employment, pursue education, establish a savings account, and move into permanent housing.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.