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

Baltimore City Foundation/ Curran Memorial Clock Tower

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward renovation costs of the Curran Memorial Clock Tower, located at York Road and Woodbourne Avenue. The clock serves as a landmark for the Govans neighborhood now undergoing revitalization.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers/ Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative

$50,000 / 2008 / Community Development
To strengthen the capability of community development organizations in targeted neighborhoods offering assistance to households facing foreclosure. Support is given to groups providing pre- and post-purchase counseling and legal assistance.

Arundel Habitat for Humanity

$40,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward the renovation of eight rowhouses in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Baltimore City. Using the national Habitat for Humanity model, Arundel Habitat staff supervises volunteer crews to perform the majority of work on each house, including demolition, framing, and finishing. Construction focuses on energy-efficient appliances and windows. Each of the houses is sold to a low-income household at 0 percent financing offered by Arundel Habitat.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$80,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Two-year funding to advance education on comprehensive land use and transportation policy reform at state and local levels. 1000 Friends of Maryland advocates for statewide policies that address land use and transportation planning, and focus on promoting infill and redevelopment, and promote land conservation and protection of sensitive areas and farmland.

Women’s Housing Coalition

$25,000 / 2008 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide case management services at the new Jenkins House residence for low-income, disabled women. The goal of Jenkins House is to stabilize residents in permanent housing and prepare them for increased levels of independent living through supportive services with the help of a case manager. Services include counseling in life skills, job placement, education, relapse prevention, mental health, and entitlement benefits.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.