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

Friends of Patterson Park, Inc.

$20,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the Membership Development Project to increase member support and participation, and fund increased demand for programming and services.

Food Research & Action Center

$25,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Two grants toward continued support of the Maryland Hunger Solutions’ pilot project. The project will allow Baltimore City farmers’ markets to accept federal food benefit payments through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. The intent of this effort is to ensure that more Baltimore City residents will have access to fresh produce from local farms.

Emerging Technology Centers, Inc.

$110,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For expenses related to a competition for early stage venture investment awards to four entrepreneurs and their companies that will move to Baltimore City and remain for five years.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$23,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of a design competition for the 100 Light Street parking garage. The purpose of the competition is to engage the artistic and design community in presenting ideas for the visual enhancement of the facility.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For continued support of installations by Baltimore Art Exposure of local artwork in empty storefront windows on Charles Street.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.