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

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward expenses related to the first State of the Harbor Conference, held to help educate and inspire residents, businesses, and government officials about what financial support and steps are needed to improve the water quality of the harbor, with a goal of reaching a swimmable and fishable harbor by 2020.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$239,110 / 2011 / Community Development
Two-year funding toward start-up costs of an annual State of the Harbor report card. In collaboration with Blue Water Baltimore, the partnership will create a multi-site water quality data bank and produce a report on the water quality indicators in Baltimore’s harbor and surrounding tributaries. In accordance with the Clean Water Act, data will be used to hold the city accountable for sewage overflows, and private owners for discharge and outfalls.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$31,500 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward expansion of the floating wetlands project in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The pilot project is designed to help remove nutrients from the water; trap sediments and heavy metals; colonize and feed filter organisms; and provide shading, structure, and refuge for fish through root systems. By taking this step toward cleaner water, the partnership intends to inform and engage residents and visitors in gaining a better understanding of the appreciation for the bay’s water quality.

University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center

$30,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward a feasibility study of a beverage container deposit program in Maryland. The study will quantify the costs of litter, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with beverage containers; analyze potential incentive programs to divert containers from the waste streams; review experiences of other states; and recommend appropriate program components to maximize benefits for Maryland.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$50,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward staffing costs for the Foreclosure Prevention Program providing assistance in default mortgage counseling and offering legal service activities including pre-purchase and fair housing issues.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.