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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.

$55,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For the creation of a “State of the Harbor” report card to set a baseline for measuring water quality and health of the Baltimore harbor, and to enable future comparisons to document progress toward making the harbor safe for swimming and fishing. An action plan with steps to address pollution and deteriorating condition of the water will accompany the report.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$200,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Additional funding for capital renovations and expansion of the Beans & Bread Outreach Center, which serves more than 2,300 homeless and economically vulnerable individuals daily through its hot-meal program. By expanding the programming space and waiting area, Beans & Bread will be able to deliver a wider range of basic services to many more clients.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$50,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward staffing costs for the expanded Foreclosure Prevention Program. In response to the recent high rate of foreclosures, with additional funding, St. Ambrose will be able to provide increased default and reverse-mortgage counseling services, in person, by phone, and electronically.

Office of the Mayor

$35,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward consulting fees to assist in implementing a leadership agenda by developing a vision for the Mayor’s priorities and providing training for the Mayor’s staff. The consultant will help to determine effective ways to set priorities, clarify roles, and redefine job descriptions.

National Wildlife Federation

$15,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward support of a feasibility study of offshore wind farms within Maryland. The purpose of the research is to assess economic benefits of offshore wind energy for the launch of a large-scale grassroots outreach effort.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.