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 Chester River Association

$5,000 / 2003 / Environment
For partial funding of the position of a riverkeeper to monitor activity on the Chester River, so as to protect water quality and biodiversity from degradation. As changes in land use impact the watershed, the riverkeeper is expected to maintain a presence at local planning boards and keep the public informed about best conservation practices.

The Enterprise Foundation

$100,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding for the continuation of the Re-Entry Partnership (REP) initiative, expanding the program into the Park Heights Avenue area REP incorporates both a pre-release and post-release component to work with offenders on work readiness, life skills and social needs. In order to ensure the ex-offender a smooth transition back into the community, REP makes available an array of support services, including transportation at time of release.

The Ingenuity Project

$500,000 / 2003 / Education
In support of the 2003-2004 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for more than 450 Baltimore City public elementary, middle and high school students, with emphasis on scientific research and preparation for national competitions.

The Northeast Youth League, Inc.

$30,535 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
For the renovation costs of the baseball field at DeWees Park in the Mid-Govans community of northeast Baltimore. The field provides an expanded and safe athletic program for neighborhood youth.

The Piney Woods School

$65,521 / 2003 / Education
To provide scholarships for selected underachieving at-risk male students from Baltimore City for the 2003-2004 school year. The grant also includes funding for a retention counselor whose responsibilities are to encourage positive attitudes, appropriate social behavior and academic achievement.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.