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

Emerging Technology Centers, Inc.

$160,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For expenses toward the second year of the Accelerate Baltimore competition. These venture-investment awards go to six entrepreneurs and early-stage companies committed to moving to Baltimore.

Emerging Technology Centers, Inc.

$75,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward Phase III of the Project Gado robotic scanning technology. The ongoing project continues day-to-day scanning at Afro-American Newspapers so that archives are accessible to scholars, researchers, and the community.

Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the 2013 TEDx Baltimore conference.

Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of Betascape, a weekend of art and technology in Baltimore City.

Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward educational advocacy efforts designed to increase enrollment and parental involvement at Baltimore City Public Schools. By marketing city schools to families living downtown, the alliance aims to establish stable and economically viable schools in its neighborhoods.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.