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

Quarterway Houses, Inc.

$10,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Plan for clinical staff of the Tuerk House. It is expected that the program will increase staff retention, improve levels of certification, and encourage professional development.

Roland Park Library Initiative, Inc.

$100,000 / 2004 / Education
A challenge grant for the expansion and renovation of the Roland Park branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The library provides resources and support for the students attending Roland Park Elementary/ Middle School.

Rose Street Community Center

$450,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for continued support of rehabilitation services for ex-offenders, residents recovering from substance abuse, and at-risk youth. The center provides transitional housing and case management to an average of 30 men per week, linking them to employment. It provides stipends to an average of 40 other participants each week to assist with living expenses, and provides youth with after-school and community activities.

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity

$100,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Toward the renovation of 25 vacant row houses in the Sandtown-Winchester community. The initiative is designed to increase homeownership for low-income families. Because volunteers from Sandtown-Winchester and the larger community are donating labor, the costs of the houses are kept affordable.

Sisters Academy of Baltimore

$40,000 / 2004 / Education
Toward start-up costs for the establishment of a parochial middle school for at-risk adolescent girls in West Baltimore. The school offers scholarships, small classes, an extended school day, increased parental involvement, and faith-based learning.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.