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

Environmental Integrity Project

$50,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of the “Baltimore Environmental Justice Campaign,” designed to improve health and quality of life in Baltimore neighborhoods that are most harmed by environmental pollution.

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Friendly Loving Opportunities

$40,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of wages for six formerly homeless individuals to collect and deliver donated furniture to recently housed homeless individuals and families.

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Healthy Neighborhoods Inc.

$180,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of Healthy Neighborhoods’ core programs, special projects, and capacity building efforts with a focus on resident engagement, promotion of neighborhood assets, and investment in housing stock in 49 neighborhoods across Baltimore City.

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Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition Inc.

$75,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for Dee’s Place, an addiction recovery support program serving 5,000 individuals monthly through peer counseling, NA/AA meetings, auricular acupuncture, and connection to treatment programs and other support services.

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Human Rights for Kids

$50,000 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for Human Rights for Kids (HRFK), which works to advance criminal justice reform for children in Maryland through coalition building and public education. HRFK centers its reform efforts on children’s exposure to trauma as the leading cause of juvenile delinquency and crime.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.