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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$50,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Capital funding toward renovations for the expansion of programs and counseling services.

South Harbor Renaissance

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward construction costs of the Flag Staff Plaza in Federal Hill Park, in an effort to restore the park’s playground.

Reservoir Hill Improvement Council, Inc.

$45,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Reservoir Hill Healthy Foods Initiative at the Whitelock Community Farm. With the addition of two full-time staff positions, a farm manager, and a team coordinator, the initiative will increase the cultivation of diverse products and community access to healthy foods.

Reservoir Hill Improvement Council, Inc.

$35,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Capital funding toward support of Phase II of the German Park restoration.

Preservation Maryland

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Preservation Maryland Restoration and Renovation Fair. The purpose of the fair is to disseminate information to homeowners about basic to complex renovations to older homes, as well as financing and tax credits.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.