Read our 2024 Annual Report

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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

$9,500 / 2002 / Other
For 2002 membership dues.

Youth Enterprise Services

$75,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Challenge grant for the purchase of a second facility for use as a residential treatment center for severely disturbed adolescents referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The YANA Project

$60,610 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing costs of a social worker/court monitor to work with women and girls engaged in prostitution. The YANA model offers a continuum of services from street outreach to drop-in services, counseling, and case management with referrals to medical services. Participants who complete the 90-day program with no new arrests will have charges dropped.

Women’s Housing Coalition

$18,175 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For start-up costs of the Wesley House Family Program, a long-term transitional housing facility that serves nine homeless families referred from emergency, transitional and substance abuse treatment programs.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$83,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Fourth-year funding of a transportation program to provide used reconditioned cars for 80 participants in the Affordable Housing Initiative Program and other low-income residents of Baltimore City who need a car to get to work.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.