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

Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Inc.

$17,500 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Third-year support of the Statewide Emergency Contraception Project, providing outreach and education to clients.

Neighbor to Family

$100,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Seed funding for the establishment of the Neighbor to Family Sibling Foster Care Program in Baltimore City. The program will provide comprehensive foster care services to 40 children in sibling groups. The foster parents, trained by Neighbor to Family caseworkers, will be given a stipend above the normal foster care rate to enable a parent to stay home and provide home care to sibling groups.

Nazareth Lutheran Church

$15,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Seed funding for renovations and the purchase of furniture for Nazareth House, operating as a transitional housing facility for recovering male addicts in Highlandtown. The house will be operated based on Oxford House principles of self-governance.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Maryland

$25,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Toward the salary of an advocate consultant with responsibilities for promoting the critical need for increased funding earmarked for drug treatment initiatives in Baltimore City and throughout Maryland.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$40,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For support of an initiative to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit and free legal and tax preparation services at ten Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites for low-income families and individuals in Baltimore City. The initiative provides for training of volunteers and site coordinators and marketing efforts.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.