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

Center for Emerging Media

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward start-up costs of the Marc Steiner Show with Morgan State University’s public radio station, WEAA. The daily interview format with selected guests, and follow-up by call-in questions, addresses current issues of local interest.

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc.

$35,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For continued support of residential and commercial revitalization efforts, including the Foreclosure Prevention Initiative. The objectives of the program are to expand foreclosure counseling service delivery in Northeast Baltimore to the Greater Lauraville community, track investor home-buying activity in Belair-Edison, track foreclosure activity in Belair-Edison, and engage renters through pre-purchase homeownership counseling, and encourage homeowner use of incentives to strengthen the residential real estate market.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$20,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For support of the Home Maintenance Program for low-income, elderly homeowners in Southeast Baltimore. The purpose of the program is to assist the elderly to remain in their homes; improve the safety and livability of the neighborhood housing stock; and enhance neighborhood stability by responding to home maintenance calls, making minor repairs, and helping to negotiate upkeep issues.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$25,000 / 2008 / Community Development
For continued support of Clean Streets Program in the Patterson Park community. The program calls for daily cleaning of streets, sidewalks, and alleys, and weekly dumpster roll-offs for bulk trash. The effort is intended to help eliminate trash and create a visibly appealing, comfortable, and secure community in the 22-block area.

Baltimore City Foundation/ Curran Memorial Clock Tower

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward renovation costs of the Curran Memorial Clock Tower, located at York Road and Woodbourne Avenue. The clock serves as a landmark for the Govans neighborhood now undergoing revitalization.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.