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

CivicWorks

$228,140 / 2012 / Community Development
Two-year funding for support of the Real Food Farm, an operation for growing food, workforce training, and student education in Clifton Park. Civic Works’ focus is to expand production and self-sufficiency of farm operations, and to implement a schedule of improvements that includes a reliable water source; an all-season shed for washing, preparing, and processing produce; a farm tractor; and volunteers for farm tasks. Civic Works anticipates that the number of students participating in educational programs or volunteering will increase from 1,400 to 2,000 students, and seven AmeriCorps workers will be trained each year.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Inc.

$115,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For the implementation of a strategy designed to engage neighborhoods in an effort to reduce the number of liquor outlets in nonconforming establishments in Baltimore City.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For a study of the proposed changes to the Baltimore City zoning code to reduce the density of liquor sales outlets and their impact on communities.

Charles Village Community Foundation, Inc.

$50,195 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Targeted Safety Patrol Project, a pilot project designed to expand the deployment of patrols in targeted areas on Friday and Saturday nights. Officers on duty will each use a Trikke EV, a three-wheeled electric transport vehicle, to patrol the area.

Charles Village Community Foundation, Inc.

$132,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Public Safety Surveillance Project, which provides installation of 12 cameras for security of the streets and public areas in the Greater Charles Village area. The project is expected to reduce robberies, assaults, and burglaries; increase the rate of apprehended suspects; and improve response time for victims.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.