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

CivicWorks

$275,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For continued support of Project Lightbulb, an energy conservation program for residents of the Coldstream Homestead Montebello and Belair Edison neighborhoods. The goal, over a four-year period, is to implement the project in 4,000 houses in neighborhoods within Baltimore City. The program offers free home energy education and energy-saving assistance to low-income households. Trained AmeriCorps members implement practical strategies to combat rising energy costs, including hot water heater and water pipe insulation; light bulb replacements with fluorescent bulbs; installation of carbon monoxide detectors, and low-flow showerheads and faucets; and the setting of thermostat temperatures.

CivicWorks

$500,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Challenge grant toward renovations of Civic Works’ headquarters at the historic Clifton Mansion. By addressing long overdue building deficiencies and improvements in security issues, Civic Works intends to attract more interest, investment, and community activity in Clifton Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

CivicWorks

$25,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support and expansion of the Neighborhoods for All Ages program for senior homeowners in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello and Belair Edison neighborhoods. The objectives of the program are to assist 100 low-income senior households with access to income benefits and entitlement services, to stabilize housing, and to enhance homeowner equity.

Charles Village Community Foundation, Inc.

$20,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward the enhancement of solid waste management services in the greater Charles Village area. The effort is designed to eliminate trash and blight within a 100-block area.

Blue Water Baltimore

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
To cover costs associated with the monitoring of water quality samples taken over a nine-week period from the Solarbee aerator/circulator project. The monitoring program is designed to measure changes in biological matter evidenced by algae bloom. This information allows for a better understanding of water quality issues and restoration needs of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.