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

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For a study to assess effects of a LEED (Leadership Environmental and Energy Design)-certified building on the working environment. Research will provide evidence of the impacts of the LEED building on the built environment, specifically, health, safety, and staff issues in health-care facilities.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$75,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For continued general support of a partnership of banks, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations committed to strengthening 15 underserved neighborhoods targeted for revitalization. Healthy Neighborhoods, in turn, provides grants to neighborhoods for marketing, community organizing, and projects designed to preserve and improve real estate values. It offers below market rate loans for home improvements and homeownership counseling, technical and architectural services, and construction management.

High Zero Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Arts
For continued support of an annual international festival of experimental music and culture that emphasizes improvisation and collaborations, and features musicians from Baltimore and around the world. In addition to the 20 large-scale concert sets, the festival includes free workshops, street and site-specific performances, private recording sessions, and collaborations.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$75,000 / 2010 / Education
For continued support of the L@TCH technology program in five Baltimore City public schools: Coppin Academy, Rosemont Elementary, Collington Elementary, Southwest Baltimore Charter, and Reach Academy. The two-year expansion of the pilot project provides home computers, printers, Internet connection, training, and support for 1,000 additional families. The goal of the project is to increase student attendance and academic progress through increased parental involvement.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$100,000 / 2010 / Community Development
Capital funding toward the renovation of Northeast Market to allow for the sale of locally grown, organic foods. The purpose of the renovation is to update the facade and improve the appearance of the stalls, and to provide a venue for expanded and more diverse food options for local residents, Johns Hopkins employees, and visitors.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.