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 Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$37,500 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of an initiative to increase health-care coverage among uninsured and disadvantaged populations in Maryland. The objectives are to expand health-care coverage by ensuring that the State of Maryland creates a comprehensive plan to implement federal health-care reform, propose solutions to address local overage and funding gaps, educate Marylanders about new coverage opportunities, and advocate for an increase of the alcohol tax.

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward expenses to fund a reception at the Governor’s Mansion in recognition of the accomplishments of the Maryland Health Care Coalition.

Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center

$25,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
Toward costs of providing supportive resources to current and former foster youth. The center provides information, training, service linkages, counseling, GED preparation, and job-training programs for youth transitioning to independent living.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

$19,210 / 2010 / Education
“Last Dollar” support toward tuition and related fees in support of a Baltimore City public school graduate enrolled in MICA’s 2010-2011 school year.

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

$10,000 / 2010 / Environment
For continued support of the Environmental Connections Project, in support of expanding capacity, educational outreach, and grassroots programs to energize voters about public policy issues such as global warming, land protection, and Bay restoration.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.