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

Greater Baltimore AHC, Inc.

$40,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of the Greater Baltimore Affordable Housing Corporation’s Asset Building Campaign. The pilot is designed to increase residents’ knowledge of household financial management, in an effort to eliminate costly check-cashing and bill-paying services.

Future Harvest CASA

$20,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward continued support of the Beginner Farmer Training Program for Baltimore City residents. Objectives include providing educational support and mentoring for trainees to pursue a career path in farming, and increasing the number of farmers and the amount of sustainably grown produce for local communities.

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$10,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For the purchase and installation of fencing for Exeter Gardens in the Historic Jonestown neighborhood. This project is designed to create an opportunity for reuse of a vacant lot for students to learn about gardening, and to encourage residents’ stewardship.

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward support of the Community Supported Wellness Program’s Real Food, Real You Project, a healthy-food initiative for Southwest Baltimore residents. The project consists of four-week classes that provide a community-centered hands-on learning experience for family food planners.

Friends of Patterson Park, Inc.

$40,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward continued support of the Membership Development Project, and the hiring of a facilitator for the Patterson Park Master Plan Working Group. The working group addresses key capital projects, and identifies and provides funding for priority projects in the master plan.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.