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

The Daisyfields Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Toward the purchase of property to house a foster care facility for infants who are medically fragile as the result of being born addicted to drugs or being neglected by a substance-abusing caregiver.

The Ingenuity Project

$592,930 / 2002 / Education
For continued support of the 2002-2003 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for Baltimore City public middle- and high-school students, with emphasis on scientific research and preparation for national competitions.

The Justice Policy Institute/The Tides Center

$49,733 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
To provide seed funding for the establishment of a new organization that will address adult and juvenile justice reform issues in the State of Maryland. The agency will provide technical assistance and training to local agencies to help determine the most effective methods of delivering neighborhood-based services to needy populations.

The Piney Woods School

$108,690 / 2002 / Education
To provide scholarships for selected underachieving students from Baltimore City for the 2002-2003 school year. The grant also includes funding for the salary of a retention counselor whose responsibilities are to encourage positive attitudes, appropriate social behavior and academic achievement.

The Samaritan Center

$25,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Eviction Prevention Assistance program at the Samaritan Center designed to provide emergency grants to individuals and families facing eviction. This one-time assistance also provides the opportunity for the Center to help those at risk address underlying issues, such as unemployment and substance abuse that contribute to their problem.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.