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 City Public School System/Harford Heights Primary School

$46,250 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Vision Therapy Program for the 2000-2001 school year. The program provides complete vision assessments for fourth graders, offers an intensive course of vision therapy for up to 50 students, and evaluates the impact of the intervention on the students; visual and academic performance.

Universal Classroom Breakfast Program

$45,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For staffing to monitor and enhance the Universal Classroom Breakfast Program currently being implemented in 51 elementary and middle schools. The program is part of a longitudinal study to determine the long-term effects of students’ participation in breakfast in the classroom (as opposed to the cafeteria) on attendance, tardiness, disciplinary action, and academic achievement.

Best Friends

$200,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For expenses related to activities of Best Friends, a pregnancy prevention program for at-risk adolescent females in four Baltimore City middle schools. The program consists of monthly group classes, weekly fitness classes, and individual mentoring sessions.

Baltimore City Healthy Start, Inc.

$1,000,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Second-year funding of Recovery In Community, a substance abuse prevention and recovery initiative. The purpose of the citywide initiative 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.

Baltimore City Health Department

$5,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
To provide scholarships for 100 former inmates to attend the Second Conference on the Urgent Needs of Newly Released Prisoners, and for related expenses.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.