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

Museum of Ceramic Art

$36,000 / 2011 / Arts
For support of the 2011-2012 in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 42 Baltimore City public middle schools. Aligned with the Maryland Content Standards, and integrated with core subjects, the nine-month, hands-on experience provides the opportunity for students to acquire creative skills, as well as to reinforce reading, writing, and math skills. Arrangements are made for students’ work to be exhibited in the form of permanent murals in public places such as the Hollins Street Market and Pratt Street Pavilion.

National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education

$5,000 / 2011 / Community Development
For the continued support of the smart growth indicators and data analysis for the Sustainable and Equitable Economic Development Initiative. The focus of the study is to connect housing to jobs and accessible transportation to local land-use decisions, working to create compact, inclusive, and diverse communities.

National Council on Teacher Quality

$22,500 / 2011 / Education
For support of the National Education School Study of 20 teacher-education schools in Maryland. Each school will be rated based on standards used in their teacher training programs, such as selectivity of the admissions process, how well candidates are prepared to teach reading, classroom management training, and the quality of student teaching.

NCADD Maryland

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of the NCADD Maryland Tuerk conference, “Current Issues in Addiction Treatment, Medical Marijuana, Effectiveness of A.A., Latest Medications for Addiction.”

Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2011 / Community Development
Toward support of the Small Dollar Loan and Financial Literacy programs. Eight financial institutions have contributed to a $70,000 revolving loan fund to help borrowers who would otherwise access predatory or nontraditional sources.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.