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

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

$24,971 / 2011 / Community Development
To provide professional development training for 60 Baltimore City public school teachers to integrate science, nature, and conservation subject matter into the ZOOmobile outreach program, serving 1,200 pre-kindergarten children in Baltimore City.

Maryland PIRG Foundation

$30,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For costs related to preparation of a report for the Smart Energy Solutions Program. The report will promote the need for the state to meet its goals for reducing the cost of energy to low-income users, and advocate for efficient use of energy and the reduction of pollutants.

Maryland Housing Counselors Network, Inc.

$20,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of the Housing Counselor Training Program in Baltimore City. The program, created in response to the demand for counseling in matters of foreclosure, provides nationally recognized training for the local housing industry in Maryland. The training includes the services of counselors with state-of-the-art foreclosure prevention tools, appropriate for helping clients achieve sustainable homeownership.

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

$90,651 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of the Mount Auburn Cemetery Project Clean Up in an effort to restore and preserve an historical landmark. Local community partners, collaborating with Morgan State University’s Center for Museum and Historical Preservation, will train four to six prisoners in horticulture, groundskeeping, landscaping, and history, as well as how to create and engrave memorials.

Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc.

$32,000 / 2011 / Community Development
To conduct a study of Rent-to-Own stores in Baltimore City. The purpose of the study is to determine the extent of price gouging, false advertising or omission of facts, collection activities, harassment by collection agents, and defective goods. The report will recommend changes in existing state law that would protect consumers from abusive Rent-to-Own practices.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.