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

BioTechnical Institute of Maryland Inc.

$80,000 / 2024 / Workforce Development

In support of training Baltimore residents as entry-level technicians in the bio-pharma industry.

Learn More

Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$60,000 / 2024 / Environment

In support of promoting clean energy, advancing electrification of the building sector, and reducing climate pollution from greenhouse gases and fossil fuel infrastructure in Baltimore and across Maryland.

Learn More

Civic Works Inc.

$150,000 / 2024 / Community Development

In support of reducing home energy burdens and strengthening the financial resilience of low-income households through critical energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonization, and health and safety improvement services.

Learn More

Community Law Center Inc.

$40,000 / 2024 / Community Development

In support of legal staff and advocacy for community economic redevelopment of vacant houses across Baltimore City.

Learn More

Community Wealth Builders, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Philanthropy Network

$27,851 / 2024 / Community Development

In support of staff and programmatic costs to expand the MD Neighborhood Exchange and Crowdfund Baltimore. These efforts will grow community investing in local, minority-owned businesses and support healthy, vibrant neighborhood economies in Baltimore.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.