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

Waverly Main Street

$85,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For continued support of technical services, sanitation, a master-plan process, and revitalization of the Waverly commercial district. This grant supplements funding from the Main Street Program to begin the second phase of the Waverly Master Plan.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$109,200 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Chase Pier Waterfalls and Constructed Wetland Project, in an effort to make the Baltimore Harbor safe for swimming and fishing by 2020. The goal of the project is to transform an obsolete, deteriorating structure into a water sculpture, and create awareness of pollution threats to public health.

The Walters Art Museum

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To provide awards for Art Bytes in support of Baltimore’s technology and innovation community.

Venture For America

$150,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To fund the employment of 10 college graduates in start-up and early-stage companies in Baltimore City, with the expectation that these graduates will found or contribute to the growth of Baltimore-based start-up companies.

University of Maryland

$34,150 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of graduate research toward a plan to reduce fish kills in the Baltimore Harbor, using controlled algae production. The pilot algal turf scrubber has been designed to remove nutrients, which may be recycled as feedstock for biofuels and fertilizer.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.