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

Herring Run Watershed Association

$5,000 / 2001 / Environment
For general support of stewardship activities designed to improve the environmental quality of the Herring Run watershed, which reaches the Chesapeake Bay.

I Can, Inc.

$63,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
In support of the transitional housing program providing shelter and extensive case management services for 58 homeless men for up to 12 months of residency. The goal of the program is to provide a period of stability for the men during which they can pursue educational credentials, job skills training, financial planning and budgeting and to prepare for a move into permanent housing.

I Can’t We Can, Inc.

$30,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For expenses related to the renovation of three houses in West Baltimore to accommodate recovering addicts participating in a 60-day detoxification program.

Institutes for Behavior Resources

$35,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Toward a consultancy fee to develop and implement a demonstration project designed to determine the effectiveness of integrating workforce development with drug treatment services.

International Center for Sustainable Development

$300,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Two grants for start-up costs to establish the International Center for Sustainable Development in Baltimore. The focus of the program is to promote energy conservation, efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development through the efforts of an Energy Ombudsman and the convening of a Sustainable Baltimore Forum of community leaders and experts to discuss local opportunities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.