Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance/ Creativity in Education Art Everyday

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
For support of an event featuring keynote speaker Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally recognized authority on creativity in education, for an audience of educators and arts professionals.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore/ Baltimore Art Exposure

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
For continued support of Baltimore Art Exposure’s installation of art work used to enhance empty storefront windows along Charles Street.

Baltimore Opera Company

$32,000 / 2008 / Arts
Toward the purchase of equipment to accommodate Metropolitan Opera Simulcasts at the Lyric Opera House, as a strategy to expand the audience for opera in Baltimore. A series of eight operas will be scheduled Saturday afternoons.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$125,000 / 2008 / Arts
Five-year funding for support of the Janet and Walter Sondheim Prize, awarded annually at Artscape. The purpose of the prestigious award is to encourage artists to live and work in Baltimore.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
A challenge grant for support of the 2008 Baltimore Book Festival. The September festival features more than 300 authors, exhibits, workshops, discussions, reviews of student work by professionals and peers, storytelling, nonstop readings, street performances, and live music.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.