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

Center for Emerging Media

$5,000 / 2009 / Community Development
For general operating support of the Marc Steiner radio show. The daily interview format with selected guests, along with follow-up call-in questions, addresses timely topics of community interest.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$20,000 / 2009 / Community Development
For continued support of the Home Maintenance Program developed to assist more than 130 elderly, low-income homeowners to remain in their homes in Southeast Baltimore. Banner Neighborhoods makes minor repairs, undertakes general maintenance, and provides education about energy-saving measures.

The Baltimore Community Foundation, Inc.

$40,000 / 2009 / Community Development
Two grants for support of the Baltimore Neighborhood Energy Challenge pilot project that will operate in selected low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The project is designed to instruct residents on how to reduce high energy costs and consumption. Civic Works will train neighborhood leaders using their own houses as models.

Adopt A Block, Inc.

$5,000 / 2009 / Community Development
Toward expenses incurred by Compassion Commission, a youth-driven program that assembles 200 youth to participate in a week of volunteering. Projects include renovating a vacant rowhouse, cleanup of alleys and neighborhood streets, community greening, and painting recreation centers and public schools in the Greenmount, Station North, and Oliver Street neighborhoods.

Women’s Housing Coalition

$20,000 / 2009 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding to continue support of the Relapse Prevention/Mental Health Program for homeless women in Baltimore City. This initiative includes the training of case managers to detect warning signs of relapse and strategies so as to assist clients with medication management.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.