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

Parks & People Foundation

$500,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Capital funding for the restoration of the historic Superintendent’s House, located at the heart of a nine-acre park improvement project in Druid Hill Park. The restored site will become part of the new headquarters of the Parks and People Foundation, which administers 14 programs providing greening activities and recreational opportunities. The building will be used for community training, special events, and meetings.

Newborn Holistic Ministries, Inc.

$100,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Challenge grant toward renovation costs of the Harris-Marcus Community Center at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue. This new multi-purpose center will accommodate the Jubilee Arts program serving 600 adults and children, the Martha’s Place program’s consolidated offices, and a neighborhood meeting space.

Maryland ACORN/ACORN Institute, Inc.

$35,000 / 2008 / Community Development
To hire organizers and housing counselors for ACORN Housing in Maryland to assist low- to moderate-income homeowners in preventing foreclosure. ACORN expects to counsel at least 1,000 Baltimore City residents, help refinance at least 40 borrowers who are struggling with unmanageable loan payments, negotiate loan modifications and payment plans, and reach out to targeted homeowners having difficulty making mortgage payments.

Locust Point Civic Association

$5,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Seed funding toward construction costs of the Locust Point Dog Park in Latrobe Park. This project has been developed as a strategy to enhance quality of life for the community.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$26,856 / 2008 / Community Development
For energy management and security system expenses of 901 North Milton Avenue in the Madison East End neighborhood. This newly renovated 55,000-square-foot building is fully leased with nonprofit and minority-owned business tenants at affordable rents, and serves as a community center.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.