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 Enterprise Foundation

$100,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding for the continuation of the Re-Entry Partnership (REP) initiative, expanding the program into the Park Heights Avenue area REP incorporates both a pre-release and post-release component to work with offenders on work readiness, life skills and social needs. In order to ensure the ex-offender a smooth transition back into the community, REP makes available an array of support services, including transportation at time of release.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association

$49,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing of an eviction reform initiative in Baltimore City. The initiative will study the legislative provisions and court processes with a view to reducing the number of evictions.

Children’s Rights Council

$5,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Safe Haven Access Visitation Center at the Providence Baptist Church The Center, assisting children of separated, divorced and never-married parents, creates a supervised situation where the parents can coordinate court ordered visitations of their children in a safe environment. Referrals are made through the courts, attorneys, counselors, mediators and social workers.

Center for Poverty Solutions

$50,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
For expansion of the Baltimore City Public School Pantry Program. The goal is to supplement families’ food budgets while at the same time encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s education. In exchange for volunteering in the schools, parents are eligible to attend classes on nutrition, budgeting, and economic meal planning, and to receive free food once a month.

The Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$68,516 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
In support of the JumpStart Electrical Training Program. The 40-hour, one-week course is designed to train STRIVE graduates to become electricians’ helpers. STRIVE’s goal is to train 40 participants and place 32 graduates into employment, and enroll JumpStart graduates in the Associated Builders and Contractors Apprentice Program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.