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

Baltimore City Department of Planning

$50,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For support of the Decision Modeling Tool for Vacant Structure Demolition and Redevelopment Project. A partnership between the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Sustainability will use the funds to develop a more efficient method of organizing data that identifies potential for nonresidential reuse of vacant properties and lots, and assists in targeting limited demolition resources where they may have the greatest effect.

Baltimore Architecture Foundation

$5,000 / 2012 / Community Development
In support of a one-day symposium and neighborhood tour titled, “Baltimore’s Dollar House Program Revisited.”

B&O Railroad Museum

$160,000 / 2012 / Community Development
To fund security for the museum campus, including the erection of perimeter fencing, installation of security cameras and lighting, and security guard expenses. These physical improvements and security upgrades are designed to create a positive impression of a child- and family-oriented museum in a community that has recently experienced an increase in vandalism.

Audubon Maryland DC

$35,000 / 2012 / Community Development
In support of a bird habitat at the Audubon Center in Patterson Park, a part of the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds. To further engage local residents and five local schools, Audubon offers adult education programs and bird-monitoring projects for local youth, as well as additional education in bird migration and the park’s role in the Flyway.

Adopt A Block, Inc.

$10,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward the purchase of building materials for Compassion Commission, a youth-driven program in the Greenmount West community in East Baltimore. Once a property is renovated, it is typically donated to a long-time resident of the neighborhood who has never owned a home but has a track record of community service.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.