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 Architecture Foundation

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
In support of a one-day symposium and neighborhood tour titled, “Baltimore’s Dollar House Program Revisited.”

B&O Railroad Museum

$160,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To fund security for the museum campus, including the erection of perimeter fencing, installation of security cameras and lighting, and security guard expenses. These physical improvements and security upgrades are designed to create a positive impression of a child- and family-oriented museum in a community that has recently experienced an increase in vandalism.

Audubon Maryland DC

$35,000 / 2012 / Community Development
In support of a bird habitat at the Audubon Center in Patterson Park, a part of the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds. To further engage local residents and five local schools, Audubon offers adult education programs and bird-monitoring projects for local youth, as well as additional education in bird migration and the park’s role in the Flyway.

Adopt A Block, Inc.

$10,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward the purchase of building materials for Compassion Commission, a youth-driven program in the Greenmount West community in East Baltimore. Once a property is renovated, it is typically donated to a long-time resident of the neighborhood who has never owned a home but has a track record of community service.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$200,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Funding to advance comprehensive land use and transportation policy reform at state and local levels. 1000 Friends focuses on a public agenda that encourages the redevelopment of existing communities and preservation of Maryland’s open space, agricultural land, and forests, through several strategies that include restricting the development of new septic systems, holding Maryland accountable to meet pollution-reduction goals, reforming estate tax for farming families, and investing in local transportation systems.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.