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

South Baltimore Emergency Relief, Inc.

$15,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For partial funding of food pantry and energy assistance programs serving more than 150 clients per month.

Southeast Community Development Corporation

$15,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For renovation of the historic United Democratic Club building in Southeast Baltimore. The rehabilitation and sale of this property is expected to stimulate investment in the community.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$100,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For continued support of the legal services initiative to fight predatory real estate practices in Baltimore City. The center will bring lawsuits against property sellers, mortgage brokers, appraisers, and title companies involved in fraudulent practices. Efforts will include education about deceptive home sales.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$150,000 / 2004 / Community Development
To fund the purchase of 60 vacant houses in Northeast Baltimore. St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center is serving as an Asset Control manager for FHA foreclosures of the houses being renovated and sold to new homeowners in a long-range effort to stabilize the neighborhoods and raise standards of renovation.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$80,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the establishment of the Learn to Earn Program, a job training readiness program at the St. Ambrose Outreach Center. The program helps participants improve language arts, math, and computer skills; prepare and obtain GEDs; and seek, secure and retain jobs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.