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

Central Scholarship Bureau, Inc.

$350,000 / 2011 / Workforce Development
To provide tuition assistance to Baltimore City residents seeking vocational training through community colleges and for-profit and nonprofit training providers. The bureau will work with community colleges and workforce providers to identify training opportunities in high-growth industries, and will provide tuition assistance for 60 Baltimore residents and students.

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.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2011 / Environment
For support of the 2012 Environmental Legislative Summit.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN)

$50,000 / 2011 / Environment
For continued staffing support and expansion of the Maryland Healthy Communities Campaign, designed to bring about accountability and transparency from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in its permit and enforcement practices. In addition to the monitoring of existing power plants and coal ash landfills, CCAN will be ensuring that MDE permit programs meet federal standards.

Chesapeake Legal Alliance

$50,000 / 2011 / Environment
Toward providing pro bono legal services in an effort to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. Volunteer attorneys are recruited to represent nonprofits, individuals, and agencies seeking legal expertise on matters related to improving the Bay.ﾠ

Header photo courtesy of Thread.