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

Fund for Educational Excellence

$5,500 / 2002 / Education
Two grants for expenses related to the ongoing evaluation of the academic performance rates of former Baltimore City public school students now attending parochial schools, as compared to a selected peer group in the Baltimore City Public School System.

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
In support of the 2002 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp, a summer enrichment program for Baltimore City public school students.

Good Samaritan Hospital of Maryland, Inc.

$55,444 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
In support of the development of a clinical nursing assistant certificate program. This six-week training program will be offered to selected current employees as an opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge while preparing them for nursing school.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For a study on the economic impact of a new arena in downtown Baltimore.

Harford-Belair Community Mental Health Center, Inc.

$187,900 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase and renovation costs of two houses in Northeast Baltimore to provide housing and residential rehabilitation services to chronically mentally ill substance abuse clients.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.