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

Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the Small Dollar Loan and Financial Literacy programs. Eight financial institutions have contributed to a $70,000 revolving loan fund to help borrowers who would otherwise access predatory or nontraditional sources.

National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For the continued support of the smart growth indicators and data analysis for the Sustainable and Equitable Economic Development Initiative. The focus of the study is to connect housing to jobs and accessible transportation to local land-use decisions, working to create compact, inclusive, and diverse communities.

Mount Vernon Place Conservancy

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward the costs of a comprehensive Master Plan for the rehabilitation of Mount Vernon Place.

Midtown Community Benefits District, Inc.

$100,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward the purchase and installation of security/surveillance cameras to implement a state-of-the-art public safety initiative in the Bolton Hill, Charles North, Madison Park, and Mount Vernon neighborhoods.

Mi Casa, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward continued support of the Johnston Square Homeownership Project, a development, when completed, of 58 finished units. The objective is to transform vacant housing into energy-efficient and affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.