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

Baltimore Green Currency Association/Fusion Partnerships

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For the development of the Baltimore BNote, a local currency designed to strengthen local businesses, create jobs, and provide economic opportunities for the underserved in Baltimore City. These efforts include the development of outreach materials to educate local business owners and consumers about the benefits of the BNote when it comes to buying and selling local products and services.

The Baltimore Free Store/Fusion Partnerships

$10,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward expenses related to the Baltimore Free Store’s relocation to a larger storefront. Once relocated, this all-volunteer organization, which partners with local social services and community-based agencies, will be able to reach a large group of potential clients and redistribute more donated goods.

Baltimore Community ToolBank

$33,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward Tools for Change expenses related to outreach, fundraising, and staffing. The goal of the expansion effort is to enroll 200-member nonprofit agencies, equip 10,000 volunteers, and lend $180,000 worth of tools to charitable organizations.

Baltimore Community Toolbank

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward improvements and signage for a new warehouse location in Baltimore City. The warehouse will lend equipment and tools to nonprofits working on improvement projects.

Baltimore City Department of Planning

$50,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of the Decision Modeling Tool for Vacant Structure Demolition and Redevelopment Project. A partnership between the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Sustainability will use the funds to develop a more efficient method of organizing data that identifies potential for nonresidential reuse of vacant properties and lots, and assists in targeting limited demolition resources where they may have the greatest effect.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.