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

Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper

$100,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For support of an aeration system pilot study as part of an effort to protect and restore the water quality of the Baltimore harbor. The study will report on the effectiveness of the use of aeration in reducing and eliminating dead zones within the Inner Harbor, as well as recommend the size and scope of aeration systems necessary to make a difference in oxygenation levels within the Chesapeake Bay and address problems of water quality and habitat protection in the Bay.

Baltimore Green Spaceﾠ

$5,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward an internship for the Baltimore Green Space – Green Sites Project, designed to preserve and support community gardens, pocket parks, and other community-managed open spaces in Baltimore City.

Baltimore Efficiency and Economy Foundation, Inc.ﾠ

$12,500 / 2010 / Community Development
Toward a study to address solutions to the problem of the negative financial impact of properties owned by nongovernmental nonprofit organizations exempt from Baltimore City property taxes. The study will analyze best practices in other cities and offer recommendations for improving tax fairness and increasing revenues.

Baltimore Development Corporationﾠ

$120,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For continuing support of administrative expenses in support of Maglev-Maryland, a program to develop a magnetic levitation high-speed train between Baltimore and Washington. When fully operational, the train would reduce travel time between the two cities to less than 20 minutes.

Baltimore County Agricultural Resource Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Community Development
In support of the New Farmer Trainee Program, designed to promote the local sustainable food system by providing novice farmers with hands-on experience and classroom knowledge over a one-year period, before placing them in a position to start their own farm operation. In conjunction with the Cooperative Extension of Maryland, the program will assist trainees in locating farmland for lease or sale.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.