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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Civic Works ﾠ

$50,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For continued support of Project Lightbulb, an energy-conservation pilot project for residents of the Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello and Belair-Edison neighborhoods. The program offers free home energy education and energy-saving assistance to low-income households. Trained AmeriCorps members implement practical strategies to combat rising energy costs, including: hot water heater and water pipe insulation; light bulb replacement with compact fluorescent bulbs; installation of carbon monoxide detectors; low-flow showerheads and faucets; and the setting of appropriate thermostat temperatures.

Carroll Museums, Inc.ﾠ

$5,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward expenses related to securing the inner stairwell of the Phoenix Shot Tower, a national tourist destination in Jonestown. Once the repairs are completed, the Tower’s upper regions and roof will be accessible to the public.

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. (BENI)

$35,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For continued support of neighborhood revitalization through pre- and post-purchase homeownership counseling. The objectives of the program are to increase the number of pre-purchase housing counseling clients who are seen in both individual and group counseling sessions; to expand BENI’s financial education program by tracking and supporting clients into early homeownership; to protect homeownership rates and track homeownership values; and to conduct marketing efforts that encourage greater homeownership investment in Northeast Baltimore.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporationﾠ

$20,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For continued support of the Home Maintenance Program designed to enable elderly, low-income homeowners in Southeast Baltimore to remain in their homes. The program serves more than 350 homeowners in need of minor maintenance repairs such as checking and cleaning gutters, moving air conditioning units, changing ceiling light fixtures, and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative

$50,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For continued support of the Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation Services initiative designed to increase the capacity of community development organizations in targeted neighborhoods. Support includes pre- and post-purchase counseling and legal assistance.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.