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

University of Maryland at College Park

$31,383 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For a study assessing the effectiveness of reverse commuting as a strategy for low-income job seekers to access job opportunities in outlying areas of Baltimore City. The effort includes technical assistance to the West Baltimore Empowerment Zone Village Centers, assisting them in determining results, and in identifying areas of job access and retention in Howard County. University of Maryland.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

$28,800 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Toward the salary and benefits of an outreach social worker for the hospital-based Violence Intervention Project. The 18-month pilot project has been designed to provide 40 repeat violence victims with a comprehensive range of support services, including counseling, job training, job search and placement, to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing violence recidivism, crime, and medical expenses.

University of Maryland School of Nursing

$77,200 / 2000 / Education
For the development of “Pathway to Professional Nursing,” a high-school nursing academy for students in Baltimore City public high schools. The purpose of the academy is to inspire and assist high school students in the pursuit of a professional nursing career through a sequence of college preparatory coursework and electives. Candidates can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

$50,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Bridge funding in support of the Community Health Worker Initiative of the REACH Project. The program includes the recruitment and training of ten community health workers to be placed in two public elementary schools, one middle school, and two neighborhood health clinics. The workers are positioned to identify up to 300 children with untreated medical issues such as asthma, Attention Deficit Disorder, and lead poisoning; to make over 2,000 home visits to educate families in proper management of the child’s health condition; to make referrals; and to demonstrate improved health indicators, increased compliance with treatment plans, and decreased use of the emergency room.

Youth Enterprise Services, Inc.

$35,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Start-up and operating costs of a youth services program to house ten severely disturbed adolescents referred from the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.