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

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.

$175,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding of a workforce development initiative for persons leaving Maryland prisons and returning to Baltimore City. The program, providing 14 weeks of transitional services to up to 120 inmates at a time, will assist all participants in securing gainful employment through intensive job readiness training, life skills and computer training and job placements.

The Enterprise Foundation

$75,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Re-Entry Partnership (REP) initiative, designed to address ex-offenders’ transition from prison back into the community. One of eight national pilot projects, REP is developing resources needed to manage program services that meet the ex-offenders’ special needs. Part of the initiative includes the design and installation of a management information system to provide a process and outcomes evaluation.

Enoch Pratt Free Library

$34,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For an evaluation of the Technology Center to determine the effectiveness of current programming designed to help clients seek better paying jobs and increased personal growth. The study also addresses staffing and physical plant needs.

Dayspring Programs, Inc.

$5,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For expenses related to the ongoing renovations of the Dayspring Children’s Place, a residential facility for foster children and children of substance-abusing parents.

Courage To Change

$23,616 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
To provide the first month’s rent and a package of personal effects to 48 homeless recovering men and women. The residents will be given housing for one year in a transitional housing program while they stabilize their lives, find jobs and remain drug-free.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.