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

Humanim, Inc.

$8,150 / 2012 / Community Development
To build and test prototype equipment for algae production to be used in a fish farming operation. The objective is to test whether effluent (nutrient-rich discharge water from sewer systems) can be converted into a productive food source for farm-raised fish through small-scale algae production.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$150,000 / 2012 / Community Development
General support for activities of 41 Baltimore City neighborhoods targeted for revitalization. Goals include marketing a new $23 million loan pool, completing the sale of 100 foreclosed/abandoned properties, and supporting neighborhood-based school partnerships.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward the creation of a “visitor passport” to accompany the Druid Hill Park Green Map. This user-friendly passport has been developed by Baltimore Green Map to entice visitors to experience the many attractions of the park, and to become advocates and stewards of the historic site.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$60,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To support the hiring of three staff members for the Schools and Neighborhoods Program, in an effort to encourage families to choose neighborhood public schools. By encouraging homeowners to invest in low-interest bank loans for home improvement, the effort is expected to improve the image, physical condition, and appeal of neighborhoods in the vicinity of Margaret Brent and Waverly elementary schools.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$250,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For homebuyer incentives to encourage 10 Baltimore City teachers and/ or police officers to live in renovated houses in the Remington neighborhood. This initiative addresses the vacant housing issue through the purchase of new homes and renovation of older ones, and the objective of stabilizing the neighborhood.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.