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 Clayworks, Inc.

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
Planning grant for the expansion of a satellite location at the Newborn Ministries Jubilee Arts Center in Sandtown-Winchester. This initiative will connect artists with communities that would otherwise have limited or no access to an art center.

Environmental Integrity Project

$35,000 / 2009 / Environment
Toward support of the Maryland Open Government Initiative, a collaborative effort with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. The goal is to encourage state and federal enforcement entities to do a more effective job in ensuring the health and safety of Maryland residents, and to protect them from dangerous levels of air pollution.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$15,000 / 2009 / Environment
To underwrite staffing costs for the Legal Enforcement Project, focused on abating local power plant emissions through legal action against repeated violations of the Maryland Clean Air Act.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2009 / Environment
In support of the 2010 Environmental Legislative Summit.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$15,000 / 2009 / Environment
For continued support of staffing and expenses related to the Partners for Open Space campaign, and to advocate for conservation to be a lead legislative issue. With the use of electronic mail, regional polls, a website, and timely media events, the coalition of 155 conservation organizations in Maryland will maintain a voice for protecting open space for parks, preserving agricultural lands, and seeking full funding for Program Open Space.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.