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

Baltimore County Agricultural Resource Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Community Development
In support of the New Farmer Trainee Program, designed to promote the local sustainable food system by providing novice farmers with hands-on experience and classroom knowledge over a one-year period, before placing them in a position to start their own farm operation. In conjunction with the Cooperative Extension of Maryland, the program will assist trainees in locating farmland for lease or sale.

Baltimore City Department of Planning

$20,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward staffing costs of a Food Policy Coordinator to implement recommendations of the 2009 Baltimore City Food Policy Task Force. The coordinator will focus on expanding urban agriculture, community-supported agriculture shares of local farm produce, and community gardens; launching street vending with refrigerated trucks to reach isolated areas (“food deserts”); expanding links with local farmers and institutions; and providing input in rezoning to allow agricultural uses.

Baltimore City Department of Planning

$10,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For support of radio advertising designed to reach Baltimore City’s low-income residents in the 2010 Census count. Efforts are intended to improve the rate of mail-in returns, ensure the accuracy of Baltimore’s population count, and maximize the city’s eligibility for federal formula grant dollars and elected representation.

Adopt A Block, Inc. ﾠ

$5,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward renovation costs of a house in East Baltimore as part of the week-long Compassion Commission Project. This summer program brings together more than 200 youth from the East Coast to participate in a week of volunteering committed to rebuilding an abandoned rowhouse, cleaning up alleys and neighborhood streets, and painting recreation centers and public schools.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$80,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Two-year funding in support of land use and transportation policy reform at the state and local levels, and an initiative to “Keep Farmers Farming.” A public agenda will be created by 1000 Friends to encourage the redevelopment of existing communities; advocate for the preservation of the state’s remaining open spaces, and agriculture and forest lands; and develop Smart Growth transit and transportation plans.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.