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 Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development

$350,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Fourth-year funding of the STRIVE Baltimore Program, a comprehensive job training and placement service for unemployed and underemployed men and women. The intense three-week program prepares participants for the workforce through a highly-structured workshop that focuses on attitude modification and the development of job readiness skills. Core services also include job placement with long-term follow-up, one-to-one and group counseling, and case management.

Business Volunteers Unlimited/Maryland

$5,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a Web-based database management system to provide leadership and volunteer opportunities in support of the nonprofit community.

Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation

$25,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For second-year support of the Bon Secours Youth Employment and Career Development Project. The program helps high-school students to obtain after-school employment and plan future careers. It provides formal training sessions in financial literacy, leadership, and post-high school education planning.

Baltimore Police Foundation

$350,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
In support of the DNA Cold Case Project that uses DNA technology to identify Baltimore’s most violent offenders and to help clear innocent individuals.

Baltimore Pediatric HIV Program, Inc.

$26,142 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a 15-passenger van to transport children with HIV/AIDS (ages two to four) and their parents served by the Day and Respite Program. The comprehensive and holistic program includes full-day child care, parental support groups, outreach and referral services, and prevention and educational programs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.