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

Chesapeake Legal Alliance

$50,000 / 2011 / Environment
Toward providing pro bono legal services in an effort to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. Volunteer attorneys are recruited to represent nonprofits, individuals, and agencies seeking legal expertise on matters related to improving the Bay.ﾠ

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN)

$50,000 / 2011 / Environment
For continued staffing support and expansion of the Maryland Healthy Communities Campaign, designed to bring about accountability and transparency from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in its permit and enforcement practices. In addition to the monitoring of existing power plants and coal ash landfills, CCAN will be ensuring that MDE permit programs meet federal standards.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2011 / Environment
For support of the 2012 Environmental Legislative Summit.

Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.

$78,700 / 2011 / Environment
Toward support of “Pollution Source Reduction in Baltimore Watersheds,” in an effort to make the harbor clean enough for fishing and swimming. This two-year pilot on Harris Creek and Gwynns Falls sub-watersheds will focus on identifying and eliminating pollution sources of trash, nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and bacteria. By involving community members in monitoring efforts, the pilot is expected to increase its implementation of pollution reduction strategies.

Audubon Maryland DC

$25,000 / 2011 / Environment
For continued support and expansion of educational services at the Audubon Center in Patterson Park. The center plans to provide 400 science-based outdoor educational programs to students from the local school, residents, and families living within walking distance of the park.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.