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

University of Maryland Dental School

$165,800 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
To provide dental services to Baltimore City Head Start children. The school’s team will screen children at Head Start centers, and those requiring treatment will receive it.

University of Maryland Medical System

$50,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Breathmobile program for asthma treatment of inner-city children. The program, which delivers state-of-the-art asthma care in Baltimore City public schools to more than 400 students, has been shown to decrease asthma attacks, absenteeism, and emergency room visits.

University of Maryland School of Nursing

$84,339 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
Two-year support of “A Maryland Initiative: Hospitals for a Healthy Environment,” designed to decrease the environmental impact of health care institutions in Maryland. The initiative will focus on encouraging the implementation of environmental health programs in Maryland hospitals, advocating for the reduction of medical waste by recycling and segregation of toxic products, eliminating mercury-containing products in health care facilities, and finding alternatives to medical waste incineration.

Upton Planning Committee/ Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Collaborative

$50,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of revitalization efforts in the Upton community. Funding will encourage homeowners to take advantage of incentives for renovations and renters to become homeowners.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$49,500 / 2005 / Workforce Development
Seventh-year funding of a car ownership program designed to make reliable, reconditioned, low-cost cars available to low-income Baltimore City residents.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.