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

Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$5,000 / 2012 / Environment
Toward a study to detail improvements to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$60,000 / 2012 / Environment
For continued staffing support and expansion of the Maryland Healthy Communities campaign in collaboration with the Environmental Integrity Project. The goals are to ensure that Maryland’s environmental laws are enforced, Maryland Department of Environment programs are meeting federal standards, and the decision-making process is transparent.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2012 / Environment
For support of the 2013 Environmental Legislative Summit, which focuses on priority issues.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$35,000 / 2012 / Environment
Two-year funding for the continued support of staffing and expenses related to the Partners for Open Space campaign. The campaign advocates holding intact funding dedicated to the state real estate transfer tax fund earmarked for conservation projects.

Year Up Baltimore

$200,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Toward continued support and expansion of the Year Up Baltimore Program, which provides 80 young adults in Baltimore City with a year of IT (information technology) training. Year Up students earn 25 college credits at Baltimore City Community College, and are placed in paid internships with local partner companies to gain work experience in IT.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.