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

Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
In support of efforts to increase parental engagement in educational issues among families with children residing in downtown Baltimore.

The Door/Baltimore Urban Leadership Foundation

$10,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the Supplier Development Program, a pilot program to foster linkages between local suppliers of goods and services, and local institutional purchasers.

Covenant Community Association

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward renovations of a property to accommodate disadvantaged low-income seniors, and toward summer activities for children and youth in the Rose Street community.

Community Law Center, Inc. (CLC)

$120,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Community Law Center, in collaboration with Citizens Planning and Housing Association, seeks legal remedies for Baltimore neighborhoods that are bearing the cost of property neglect. By bringing increased attention to the issue of vacant properties effects and solutions CLC will help communities become more proactive and knowledgeable about how to address their legal problems.ﾠﾠ

CivicWorks

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward expenses related to the installation of a walk-in cooler for the Real Food Farm at Clifton Park for the purpose of extending the shelf life of produce between harvest and the marketplace.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.