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

Innovation Alliance, Inc.

$75,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of a feasibility research study, “Canvas for Innovation,” designed to convert existing industrial space into venues fostering innovative business models.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$50,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Additional funding toward the renovation of the Northeast Market, including improving the interior and exterior appearance.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$125,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For general support of community activities in neighborhoods targeted for revitalization. In partnership with banks, government agencies, community organizations, and other foundations, Healthy Neighborhoods provides grants to neighborhoods for marketing, community organizing, and development projects designed to preserve and improve real estate values. It offers below-market loans for home improvements and homeownership, as well as homeownership counseling, technical and architectural services, and construction management.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$15,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of the Power Plant Video Projection Feature, a pilot program designed to demonstrate the potential for a permanent attraction of video displays on buildings in the Inner Harbor.

Future Harvest CASA

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
In support of the Beginner Farmer Training Program for Baltimore City residents. The program encompasses classroom workshops run by the University of Maryland Extension Service and on-the-farm training at selected Maryland mentor farms.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.