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

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$30,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward staffing costs of an assistant director for Power Inside, an organization offering services at the Baltimore City Detention Center and street outreach for women and girls who are living in poverty.

Future Harvest CASA

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
In support of the Beginner Farmer Training Program for Baltimore City residents. The program encompasses classroom workshops run by the University of Maryland Extension Service and on-the-farm training at selected Maryland mentor farms.

Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation

$40,156 / 2011 / Workforce Development
Toward support of CARES Career Connection, an employment program that serves 120 unemployed men and women in Baltimore City. The program provides job counseling, resume preparation, mentoring, and assistance with job placement, with the goal of helping 60 clients find employment within 12 months of enrollment.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$15,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For support of the Power Plant Video Projection Feature, a pilot program designed to demonstrate the potential for a permanent attraction of video displays on buildings in the Inner Harbor.

Greater Baltimore Tennis Patrons Association, Inc.

$30,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of after-school and summer tennis programs for the Greater Homewood Tennis Aces, Park Heights Tennis Aces, and Frankford Tennis Aces serving nearly 400 at-risk Baltimore City youth ages six to 16. The program offers after-school tennis instruction, supervised study halls, nutrition, life skills, fitness and health education lessons, and a six-week summer camp.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.