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

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$30,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For continued support of the Home Maintenance Program. This intervention, which provides no- or low-cost home improvements to 138 elderly, low-income homeowners in Southeast Baltimore, allows senior and disabled homeowners to remain in their homes.

Baltimore Tree Trust

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of greening initiatives at McElderry Park in Southeast Baltimore. In an effort to revitalize the city’s urban tree canopy, two local youth are trained as green stewards. They learn to weed, aerate, and mulch, and are responsible for watering the newly planted trees. The stewards continue to work with homeowners and businesses regarding the placement of new trees.

Baltimore Public Markets Corporation

$99,854 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Get Fresh Public Markets initiative, which encourages food vendors to change carryout menus to include healthy, affordable foods.

Baltimore Orchard Project

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To fund a program designed to increase the number of fruit trees in Baltimore, in an effort to provide an additional source of fresh fruit for city residents and contribute to the health of the environment. The program will identify an integrated mapping and data system to create an inventory of trees, and then it will coordinate with 10 gleaning parties (groups to harvest the fruit), pilot an initial food distribution plan, and create a network of local orchards and food forests.

Baltimore Office of Sustainability

$35,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Baltimore Energy Challenge. Through education outreach, this challenge encourages residents, institutions, and businesses to reduce energy usage by 15 percent by the year 2015.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.