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

Young Victorian Theatre Company

$5,000 / 2012 / Arts
Toward the implementation of a marketing plan to build an audience for its annual summer production of a Gilbert & Sullivan light opera.

Single Carrot Theatre

$5,000 / 2012 / Arts
Toward support of outreach programs designed to bring theatrical experiences to the Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Viewing theater as a teaching tool, Single Carrot partners with schools and colleges, human service organizations, and libraries and museums, and offers pre- and post-performance discussions that engage audiences in dialogue.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$38,000 / 2012 / Arts
For support of the 2012-2013 ceramic art programs in 44 Baltimore City middle schools. Now in its 19th year, the program is a free in-school and after-school arts program that encourages school attendance and aims to improve academic achievement.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation

$5,000 / 2012 / Arts
For continued funding to ensure state support of educational and outreach arts programs. Representing the interests of hundreds of arts organizations and artists throughout Maryland, Maryland Citizens for the Arts works through a network of arts advocates, educators, administrators, and volunteers to make the case for public support.

High Zero Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Arts
Toward funding of the 2012 Festival of Experimental Improvised Music. Now in its 14th year, this world-class festival of avant-garde music, presented by High Zero Foundation, is a week-long program of large-scale concert sets, free workshops, street performances, private recording sessions, and special collaborations. The festival brings together 28 core musicians (half are from Baltimore) who offer a range of performing styles.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.