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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

No Struggle No Success, Inc.

$65,000 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

No Struggle No Success is a newly established reentry program in Baltimore City serving adults and youth between 14-18 years of age. These individuals must have served time in prison facilities, detention centers and/or committed into a juvenile facility in the State of Maryland. NSNS will provide comprehensive case management and access to services such as assistance in obtaining state ID and social security cards, birth certificates, benefits, transportation, housing, employment, and referrals to behavioral health programs.

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The No Boundaries Coalition

$66,400 / 2021 / Community Development

No Boundaries Coalition addresses food insecurity, increases availability of fresh produce, and helps limit the transmission of COVID through home delivery in Sandtown and surrounding Central West Baltimore neighborhoods. Grant funding will support operations of their fresh produce stall at Avenue Market, expansion of a buying club for home delivery of food and essential supplies, a salad garden distribution program for residents to grow their own fresh greens at home, and promotion of SNAP benefits.

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Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2021 / Community Development

Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHS) serves over 800 households annually through its homeownership counseling and financial coaching programs. In 2020, over 450 clients became homeowners. NHS deploys down payment assistance awards, raises additional capital toward an ongoing revolving DPA fund, increases access to affordable homeownership for borrowers that face challenges accessing traditional affordable mortgage products, and attracts new home buyers to Baltimore City. This grant will support staff positions associated with deployment of those funds, housing counseling, and financial coaching, and targeted community outreach.

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Neighborhood Design Center

$35,000 / 2021 / Community Development

Build Together is a new Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) initiative to partner with community groups in three neighborhoods – Johnston Square, Broadway East and Midway in East Baltimore – to scope and implement small-scale design interventions such as signage and wayfinding, seating, streetscaping, sculpture and other open space enhancements. With priority given to designers who have been historically underrepresented in the design field, NDC will commission three emerging community designers, selected through an open call, to collaborate with the neighborhood groups to develop and fabricate functional design pieces.

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National Aquarium, Inc.

$100,000 / 2021 / Community Development

The National Aquarium’s mission is to build public awareness of the importance of clean water and the threats facing oceans and waterways. The Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top three aquariums, housing 20,000 fishes and animals in award-winning habitats. As Maryland’s largest paid tourist attraction, the Aquarium is an economic driver for Baltimore City and state. After 40 years on Baltimore’s Harbor waterfront, the Aquarium is undertaking an $8 million project to replace the glass in the iconic Rain Forest pyramid roof.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.