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 Committee Foundation, Inc .

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For a research paper to determine whether expanded gaming would have a positive impact on economic development in Maryland.

Everyman Theatre, Inc .

$500,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward the renovation of the former Town Theatre, located at Fayette and Eutaw Streets, to create a new, expanded, and permanent home for Everyman Theatre. The four-story building will provide ample space for rehearsal halls; meeting rooms; scene, costume, and prop shops; administrative offices; a lobby; and increased seating capacity in the theater.

Civic Works

$50,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For support of the Weatherization for Nonprofits Pilot Program, which provides ten transitional housing facilities with services to improve energy efficiency. The objectives are to decrease operating costs, reduce energy consumption, improve the quality of supportive housing facilities, and develop an air sealing and insulation training program for replication.

Civic Works

$213,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For continued support of Project Lightbulb, an energy conservation pilot project in the Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello and Belair-Edison neighborhoods. This program offers free home-energy education and energy-saving assistance to low-income households. Trained AmeriCorps members implement practical strategies to combat rising energy costs including hot water heater and water-pipe insulation, lightbulb replacement with compact fluorescent bulbs, installation of carbon-monoxide detectors, low-flow showerheads and faucets, and setting appropriate thermostat temperatures.

Charles Village Community Foundation, Inc.

$15,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Challenge grant for support of the Trash Basket Initiative, in operation evenings and weekends. Funding will support purchase of a truck and associated costs, fuel, insurance, and maintenance. The goal of the program is to eliminate trash on streets and alleys in Charles Village, improve the appearance of the neighborhood, and encourage resident retention and reinvestment in their homes and neighborhood.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.