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

Maryland Society for Sight

$17,772 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of the Mobile Eye Care programs for local homeless people. The program uses a specially equipped van to provide eye exams to those who cannot afford the services.

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene/Division of Special Populations

$99,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding for support of Tamar’s Children, a program designed to meet special needs of incarcerated women and their infants. In partnership with Marian House, Tamar’s Children is offering integrated services based on case management and peer mentoring to ensure a secure mother-infant attachment while reducing the likelihood of future social, emotional, developmental and medical problems.

Maryland Criminal Justice Administration Institute

$160,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
In support of an extension of a licensing agreement for the use of the Judicial Dialog, a criminal case flow informational technology program. The goal of the project is to determine the effectiveness of the Judicial Dialog as a case flow and management tool in processing and analyzing data from the Circuit Court and Early Disposition Court.

Maryland Community Kitchen

$97,367 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Second-year funding in support of the Job Placement Transportation Service Program designed to provide interim transportation for people seeking interviews and participating in job training programs. The transportation service is also available to those working at new job sites through one pay period, before they have found other commuting options such as Bridges to Work.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$100,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of a grassroots effort to educate citizens and policy makers about the need for universal health coverage in Maryland. In recognition that there are more than 550,000 Marylanders with no health insurance, including 43,000 children, the initiative aims to guarantee quality, affordable health care for all Marylanders.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.