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

Latino Economic Development Center

$95,000 / 2014 / Community Development

Toward creation of a full‑time staff position and a loan loss reserve for expansion of micro‑lending operations for Latino and minority‑owned businesses in Baltimore City.

Groundswell

$50,000 / 2014 / Community Development

Toward continued support and expansion of the Community Power Project, an initiative to help Baltimore City residents and nonprofit organizations save money on utility bills through collective purchase of electricity.

Food Research & Action Center

$60,000 / 2014 / Community Development

Toward continued support of the Maryland Hunger Solutions’ pilot project to increase the capacity of Baltimore City farmers’ markets to accept federal food benefit payments through EBTcards ($35,000); and for technical assistance ($25,000).

Enoch Pratt Free Library

$175,000 / 2014 / Community Development

Toward renovation costs of the Job and Career Center at the Pratt Central Library.

Baltimore Jewelry Center/Fractured Atlas

$35,000 / 2014 / Community Development

For architectural and consulting fees for renovating space at Jubilee Baltimore in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.