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

Safe and Sound Campaign for Children and Youth

$250,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For the implementation of the Family Recovery Program, an initiative designed to reduce the length of time children spend in the Baltimore City foster care system. The program will provide case management support and substance abuse treatment for 250 parents whose children are entering foster care. It is expected that the time children of participating parents spend in foster care will be reduced by 50 to 70 percent.

Seedco, Inc.

$75,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For the development of a customized EarnBenefits Baltimore, a web-based initiative to help low-wage workers in Baltimore City determine what federal and state benefits they qualify for, and how to apply for them. EarnBenefits Online is designed to streamline eligibility screening, application submission, and tracking of submitted applications. Low-wage workers will be encouraged to apply for under-utilized benefits such as tax credits, health insurance, Food Stamps, Maryland Energy Assistance Program Tel-life, child care, and the school lunch programs.

University of Maryland Medical System

$50,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Breathmobile program for asthma treatment of inner-city children. The program, which delivers state-of-the-art asthma care in Baltimore City public schools to more than 400 students, has been shown to decrease asthma attacks, absenteeism, and emergency room visits.

The Family League of Baltimore City, Inc.

$58,586 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
In support of Baltimore’s Success by 6 Partnership, created to provide early literacy activities in family child care and home visiting programs. The programs offer parents and day care providers with tools to build children’s language skills.

University of Maryland Medical System

$50,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward expenses related to the Breathmobile program for asthma treatment of inner-city children in Baltimore City public schools. The program, which delivers state-of-the-art asthma care to more than 400 children, is expected to decrease asthma attacks, absenteeism, and emergency room visits. Data collected will assess the program’s effectiveness.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.