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

Baltimore Community Foundation

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
In support of the TEDx MidAtlantic conference held at the Maryland Institute College of Art. As part of a global series of events, the conference presented talks by technologists, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs, intended to ensure entrepreneurship and creativity in Baltimore.

Baltimore County Agricultural Resource Center

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
For the rental of a diesel tractor to be used for the establishment of the Great Kids Farm Project run by Baltimore City public schools. The farm equipment will help transform the abandoned 33-acre former Bragg Nature Center into a functioning organic farm for an educational and vocational training setting linked to the Baltimore City Public School System’s Farm to Cafeteria initiative.

Baltimore Healthcare Access

$50,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
Toward the implementation of the EarnBenefits Baltimore Program in the Baltimore City Detention Center. Baltimore Health Care Access will serve 487 Baltimore City Detention Center inmates for benefit eligibility.

Baltimore Homeless Services, Inc.

$250,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding toward the development of a housing and resource center for homeless persons at 620 Fallsway. In response to the increasing number of homeless individuals in Baltimore City, the center will offer housing accommodations and case management for up to 275 homeless individuals at any one time.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
For support of the 2009 Baltimore Book Festival. The festival, an annual regional event, features more than 200 authors, workshops, exhibits, storytellers, street performances, walking and library tours, and live music over a three-day period in Mount Vernon Place.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.