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

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$5,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
To provide support for part-time staff facilitating the Workforce Affinity Group.

Art with a Heart, Inc .

$20,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For continued support and expansion of the Summer Job Program of visual arts for at-risk youth in the Rose Street community. The four-week program, designed as job-readiness training and operating five days a week, four hours each day, engages 30 youth in creating 60 pieces of art work, including mosaics and decoupage furniture, to be marketed at Artscape.

U.S. Green Building Council Baltimore Regional Chapter, Inc./ Baltimore Bioneers Conference

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward expenses related to the 2008 Baltimore Bioneers Conference, a three-day event addressing national and local topics on economic and environmental sustainability and social justice. Based on the California model, Baltimore’s effort is expected to stimulate, inspire, and move participants to a new level of action based on innovative solutions. Presentations will be offered on nutritional and sustainable food sources, urban farming, farm-to-school links, effects of climate change, energy efficiency, and recycling.

University of Baltimore

$150,000 / 2008 / Community Development
To provide three honoraria for world-renown architects to participate in a design competition for a new University of Baltimore Law School on the corner of Charles Street and Mount Royal Avenue.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$100,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward the purchase and revitalization of 55 FHA-foreclosed properties in the Brooklyn-Curtis Bay community over a two-year period in an effort to increase the number of homeowners and to help stabilize the neighborhoods.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.