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

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$9,000 / 2003 / Other
For 2003 membership dues.

Youth Enterprise Services, Inc.

$7,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of a property for use as a residential treatment facility for at-risk adolescent males.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$45,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Fifth-year funding of a transportation program to provide reconditioned cars for participants of the Affordable Housing Initiative program, and to other low-income residents of Baltimore City who need cars to get to work.

University of Maryland School of Law

$5,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Civil Legal Needs Assessment project of the Drug Policy and Public Health Strategies Clinic.

University of Maryland Baltimore County

$5,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
To provide tuition and related fees for coursework in the Social Work Department for a STRIVE Baltimore employee.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.