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

Chesapeake Bay Trust

$25,000 / 2008 / Community Development

Toward the Urban Greening Initiative designed to help meet Baltimore City’s goal to expand the green cover in urban areas and double the tree canopy in 30 years. This grant will help fund the planting of 4,500 to 5,000 trees; provide technical assistance and support to nine low- and moderate-income neighborhoods participating in their competitive sub-grant process; and reach out to other neighborhood organizations, encouraging them to work with and support grassroots and resident-based efforts.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$7,500 / 2008 / Other
For 2008 membership dues.

Young Victorian Theatre Company

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
Toward a permanent endowment of a Gilbert and Sullivan acting company.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$34,000 / 2008 / Arts
For support of the 2008-2009 in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 42 Baltimore City public middle schools. Developed to be integrated with core subjects and aligned with the Maryland State Content Standards, the program reinforces students’ reading, writing, and creative skills. The nine-month program provides each teacher with equipment, supplies, a stipend, coaching, professional training workshops, and monthly networking. While student works are temporarily exhibited in public venues, such as Baltimore’s Visitor Center, arrangements are made for participating schools to create ceramic murals for permanent installations around Baltimore.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation

$10,000 / 2008 / Arts
Two grants for the continued support of educational and outreach arts programs for FY 2008 and FY 2009.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.