Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application. For guidance on what to include in your LOI, please reference our frequently asked questions.

Submit 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

The Community Power Network

$35,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward efforts to develop two community solar projects in Baltimore City designed to demonstrate the potential of solar renewable sources accessible to city residents. These two solar installations will be constructed over a newly installed walk-in cooler at the Civic Works’ Real Food Farm and on a replacement roof of a Baltimore City Public School.

Community Law Center, Inc. (CLC)

$80,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For continued support of a project seeking to help defray costs of legal remedies for Baltimore neighborhoods suffering from property neglect.

Civil Justice, Inc.

$90,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of the Fraudulent Tax Preparers Project, in an effort to reduce violations of Maryland legislation. In partnership with the Maryland CASH Campaign, the project will develop and implement a public relations and educational program in Baltimore designed to educate the public on market-rate tax preparation fees and services. Cases will be filed to test legislation that limits fraudulent actions by predatory tax preparers.

CivicWorks

$13,361 / 2012 / Community Development
Two grants to provide for an AmeriCorps member to spend a summer on the Real Food Farm.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.