Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Baltimore Police Foundation

$78,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of information technology equipment for support of the Police Court Liaison Program. The installation of a computerized system will enable electronic transfer of summonses and provide a scheduling matrix and 24-hour hotline.

Baltimore Police Foundation

$62,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
In support of the planning and development of the Recruitment Initiative, designed to attract qualified candidates for Baltimore City’s police force.

Baltimore Efficiency & Economy Foundation, Inc.

$42,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Baltimore City Early Disposition Court. The court was established in 2000 to reduce the backlog of cases in the criminal courts. It was established to handle criminal defendants charged with misdemeanors who are eligible for release on their own recognizance.

Baltimore City Public School System/Universal Classroom Breakfast Program

$30,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Two grants to provide gap funding for non-reimbursable breakfasts for the Universal Breakfast Program in classrooms in seven schools during the 2001-2002 school year. The program is part of an ongoing study to determine the long-term effects of students’ participation in breakfast in the classroom (as opposed to the cafeteria) on attendance, tardiness, incidence of disciplinary action, academic achievement and the Maryland State Performance and Assessment Program.

Baltimore City Healthy Start, Inc.

$673,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Third-year funding of Recovery In Community, a substance abuse prevention and recovery initiative. The purpose of the citywide program is to expand the number of treatment slots and increase the resources and supports available to recovering addicts and their families. By assessing the effectiveness of a comprehensive continuum of community-based supports, the program aims to reduce relapses and drug-related crime.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.