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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

BUILD Fellowship, Inc.

$5,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
A planning grant to determine the feasibility of providing staffing services to firms in the construction industries for BUILD’s Solidarity Sponsoring Committee Employment Agency (SSC). The purpose of SSC is to help low-wage workers gain access to better jobs and higher wages, and to have the opportunity to ensure wage equity.

Bright Hope House, Inc.

$150,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Toward renovation costs for an expansion of treatment services of Bright Hope House, Inc., a residential substance abuse and outpatient clinic. The expansion will enable the program to house up to 33 addicted men for up to six months while they strive to become drug-free.

BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc.

$213,884 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for general support of a biotechnology laboratory training program for disadvantaged Baltimore City high school graduates. The program prepares the graduates for positions as bioscience technicians. It also designs specialized training programs for existing low-income laboratory workers in client-specific techniques and procedures, affording the workers the opportunity for advancement.

Bethel Outreach Center, Inc.

$20,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For a planning grant to determine the fiscal feasibility of the acquisition and renovation of eight to ten houses identified as appropriate settings for transitional housing for men returning to the community after incarceration.

Baltimore Urban League

$10,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for general operating support for comprehensive human services for those in need throughout Baltimore.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.