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

Baltimore Community Lending

$25,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward support of the Baltimore Homeowner Emergency Loan Program (HELP), an initiative to provide refinancing options for predatory loan victims. The program objectives are to refinance 18 predatory loans, to provide two-year financial counseling and budgeting services for each refinanced family through St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center, to make referrals to other needed services for 60 families, and to support future class-action lawsuits determined by Civil Justice, Inc. and St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center.

Baltimore Efficiency & Economy Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward support of an effort to amend the City Charter to raise the minimum expense level requiring Board of Estimates approval, and for a study on privatizing the Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks’ concessions.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$25,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For support of the Neighborhoods for All Ages project, a pilot program designed to assist older residents to continue to live independently in their own homes by helping them gain access to services and providing them with assistance for home repairs.

Associated Black Charities (ABC)

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward the cost of a consultant to develop a long-term strategic plan. ABC was established to raise consciousness in the African American community to become self-sufficient, competitive, and contributing through responsible leadership; to promote philanthropy; and to increase resources toward supporting improvement of the community’s well-being.

Ashoka: Innovators for the Public

$49,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward support of the alley gating and greening initiative in Baltimore City. As a strategy to reduce crime and excess dumping and to increase property values, the Community Greens concept provides an opportunity for neighborhoods to reclaim their alleyways, broaden the possibilities for involvement in communal life, and improve their communities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.