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

Maryland Historical Society

$7,500 / 2009 / Arts
Toward research, editorial, design, and printing costs of Joseph. L. Sterne’s book, Combat Correspondents: The Baltimore Sun in World War II.

Baltimore Shakespeare Festival

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
Toward the implementation of the Shakespeare for a New Generation program, designed to provide free access for students to experience the power of live theatre and the work of William Shakespeare. The program includes teacher workshops, in-school teaching artists’ visits, study guides, live performances of The Comedy of Errors, and post-performance discussions in 12 to 14 Baltimore City public schools.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
For support of the 2009 Baltimore Book Festival. The festival, an annual regional event, features more than 200 authors, workshops, exhibits, storytellers, street performances, walking and library tours, and live music over a three-day period in Mount Vernon Place.

Baltimore Community Foundation

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
In support of the TEDx MidAtlantic conference held at the Maryland Institute College of Art. As part of a global series of events, the conference presented talks by technologists, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs, intended to ensure entrepreneurship and creativity in Baltimore.

Baltimore Community Foundation

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
Seed funding for support of a conservation and maintenance assessment program and restoration plan for 50 pieces of outdoor sculptures at 45 Baltimore City public schools. This initial grant will provide the necessary information to develop a plan for preserving 10 pieces of artwork a year, over a five-year period.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.