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

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2009 / Environment
In support of the 2010 Environmental Legislative Summit.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$15,000 / 2009 / Environment
To underwrite staffing costs for the Legal Enforcement Project, focused on abating local power plant emissions through legal action against repeated violations of the Maryland Clean Air Act.

Civic Works

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For startup costs of the Real Food Farms at Clifton Park. The goals of the urban farm project are to provide fresh organic food to the Lake Clifton High School cafeteria, hands-on educational opportunities for students, the engagement of neighbors in growing produce, job training opportunities, and green jobs. Starting with three hoop greenhouses in which to grow produce year-round, the pilot project will eventually expand to 20 hoop greenhouses.

Civil Justice, Inc.

$90,000 / 2009 / Community Development
For support of an initiative, “Filling a Vital Gap in Foreclosure Prevention Through Pro Se Bankruptcy”. In addition to counseling, the project provides legal assistance in an effort to create a plan to assist homeowners facing foreclosure.

CollegeBound Foundation

$49,400 / 2009 / Education
For fourth-year support of the College Retention Project for Last Dollar Grant scholarship recipients at nine participating colleges with the goal of increasing college graduation rates. The grant provides for the hiring of two advisors who will have the responsibility of linking students with appropriate campus-based services, such as peer advising, faculty mentoring, academic tutoring, and lifestyle and financial counseling.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.