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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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

BioTechnical Institute of Maryland Inc.

$80,000 / 2024 / Workforce Development

In support of training Baltimore residents as entry-level technicians in the bio-pharma industry.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$60,000 / 2024 / Environment

In support of promoting clean energy, advancing electrification of the building sector, and reducing climate pollution from greenhouse gases and fossil fuel infrastructure in Baltimore and across Maryland.

Learn More

Civic Works Inc.

$150,000 / 2024 / Community Development

In support of reducing home energy burdens and strengthening the financial resilience of low-income households through critical energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonization, and health and safety improvement services.

Learn More

Community Law Center Inc.

$40,000 / 2024 / Community Development

In support of legal staff and advocacy for community economic redevelopment of vacant houses across Baltimore City.

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Community Wealth Builders, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Philanthropy Network

$27,851 / 2024 / Community Development

In support of staff and programmatic costs to expand the MD Neighborhood Exchange and Crowdfund Baltimore. These efforts will grow community investing in local, minority-owned businesses and support healthy, vibrant neighborhood economies in Baltimore.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.