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

Herring Run Watershed Association

$5,000 / 2008 / Environment
Toward final construction costs of the Herring Run Watershed Center, a renovated corner storefront incorporating many “green technologies” leading to a LEED-silver certificate and aimed at reducing energy costs. This project serves as an energy-efficient model for other neighborhood rowhouses.

Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc.

$75,000 / 2008 / Environment
Three-year funding for long-term research on the effect of planting switchgrass to reduce subsurface nitrogen seepage from Eastern Shore croplands into the Chesapeake Bay, and on the feasibility of switchgrass serving as a perennial grass-based source of biofuel to local agricultural and conservation communities.

The ETV Endowment of South Carolina

$50,000 / 2008 / Environment
For the development of research and supporting materials for the production of a one-hour documentary on the Chesapeake Bay, “Poisoned Waters,” for PBS Frontline to be aired in the spring of 2009. The focus is to inform the public about the relationships among the health of the bay, the local economy, and regional natural resources.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2008 / Environment
For support of the 2009 Environmental Legislative Summit.

Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.

$30,000 / 2008 / Environment
For continued support of collaboration between the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association, Herring Run Watershed Association, and the Jones Falls Watershed Association. The center provides technical expertise to the local watershed associations with the implementation of water quality improvements, storm water retrofits, detection of illicit discharge, and downspout disconnection demonstration projects.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.