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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Art with a Heart

$30,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support and expansion of the 2011 Summer Job Program, a visual arts program for 50 at-risk youth from the Rose Street Community Center, Paul’s Place, and the Raynor Brown Elementary/ Middle School. Students receive a stipend of $10 a day to create more than 200 marketable pieces of art during the four-week program, and work in the HeARTSware store, for a minimum of four hours, selling their artwork as a job-readiness experience.

YMCA of Central Maryland

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the TEDx Baltimore conference.

The Woman’s Industrial Exchange

$66,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For a full building systems analysis, energy-efficiency improvements, and renovations.

Waverly Main Street

$93,400 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward a Master Plan and commercial district services to improve sanitation and the appearance of the Waverly commercial district.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward expenses related to the first State of the Harbor Conference, held to help educate and inspire residents, businesses, and government officials about what financial support and steps are needed to improve the water quality of the harbor, with a goal of reaching a swimmable and fishable harbor by 2020.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.