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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

University of Maryland/Philip Merrill College of Journalism

$500,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Capital funding for construction of a new journalism building to establish The Abell Professorship in Baltimore Journalism. Each semester the professorship will provide the opportunity for eight to 10 students to develop stories on timely and important issues affecting quality of life in Baltimore City.

U.S. Green Building Council Baltimore Regional Chapter, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For support of the Baltimore Bioneers’ three-day conference, convening social and scientific innovators sharing positive solutions on issues of sustainability relating to green architecture, green living, and stewardship of the environment. As part of a national forum, the conference, held at the Maryland Institute College of Art, focused on practical and visionary solutions for restoring the environment and caring for people.

Skatepark of Baltimore, Inc.

$30,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward planning and pre-development costs of building a public skatepark for Baltimore City skateboarders, bikers, and rollerbladers.

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For a consultant’s fee to train Habitat staff on cost-effective techniques for insulating, sealing, and improving energy efficiency of houses they are renovating.

Resources for the Future

$25,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward expenses in support of a conference to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Maryland’s Smart Growth legislation. The conference is expected to identify strengths and weaknesses in the law, to present an assessment of how the Smart Growth laws are working, and to develop programming to strengthen state and local laws.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.