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

Environmental Integrity Project (EIP)

$150,000 / 2012 / Environment
For continued support of the Brooklyn/Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point Environmental Justice Campaign. EIP will conduct additional research to determine the precise locations of air pollution sources, such as emissions from petroleum storage tanks, ships, and equipment at the Port of Baltimore. EIP will also continue to negotiate permits with Constellation Energy to secure binding terms for the new coal ash landfill in the Curtis Bay area, and work to address heavy diesel traffic pollution infiltrating the neighborhoods.

Episcopal Community Services of Maryland (ECSM)

$156,000 / 2012 / Workforce Development
Capital funding toward construction of the Collington Square Community Teaching Kitchen. ECSM plans to train participants in the Jericho Re-entry Program in food preparation, and place them into jobs. ECSM will offer classes in food preparation to more than 300 youth and adults living in the Collington Square community.

Food Research & Action Center

$38,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Two grants toward continued support of the Maryland Hunger Solutions’ pilot project, designed to increase the capacity of Baltimore City farmers’ markets. This will allow the sellers to accept federal food benefit payments through EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards and the “Baltimore Bucks” incentive program.

Franciscan Center

$191,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For general support of programs providing services to families in crisis. Services include case management, financial assistance to prevent evictions, hot lunches, a food pantry, clothing, toiletries, transportation, and assistance with obtaining prescription drugs.

Friends of Patterson Park, Inc.

$40,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward continued support of the Membership Development Project, and the hiring of a facilitator for the Patterson Park Master Plan Working Group. The working group addresses key capital projects, and identifies and provides funding for priority projects in the master plan.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.