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

Mount Vernon Place Conservancy

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward the costs of a comprehensive Master Plan for the rehabilitation of Mount Vernon Place.

Midtown Community Benefits District, Inc.

$100,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward the purchase and installation of security/surveillance cameras to implement a state-of-the-art public safety initiative in the Bolton Hill, Charles North, Madison Park, and Mount Vernon neighborhoods.

Mi Casa, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward continued support of the Johnston Square Homeownership Project, a development, when completed, of 58 finished units. The objective is to transform vacant housing into energy-efficient and affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.