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

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.

The Urban Institute

$50,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For a study, “Returning Home: Understanding the Challenges of Prisoner Reentry” delineating the risks and needs of returning prisoners and their families in Baltimore. Data will be collected from interviews with offenders before and after release, and from interviews with family members, neighborhood focus groups and representatives from human service and employment agencies.

Unity Center of Christianity

$18,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Do You Know Where Your Children Are? program for the 2002-2003 school year. This grassroots project offers incentives to participating parents and other adults who assume full responsibility for knowing where their middle-school children are during the afternoon and evening hours of the school week.

United Way of Central Maryland

$50,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
In support of United Way’s effort to address human service and health needs in Central Maryland.

United Ministries, Inc.

$20,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For operating expenses of a transitional housing drug-free program for homeless men, many of whom are recovering from substance abuse and are also HIV positive. Successful completion of the program is defined as the participant’s being employed, pursuing a GED, and securing permanent housing.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.