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

Community Wealth Builders, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Philanthropy Network

$36,750 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of efforts to deepen community investment in Baltimore’s local, minority-owned businesses and community wealth building through the Crowdfund Baltimore platform.

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Economic Action Maryland

$119,600 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of expanding services to assist Baltimore residents in landlord-tenant matters with bilingual financial counseling support as a complement to tenant advocacy and financial case management services.

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Environmental Defense Fund

$75,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of leveraging federal resources to implement projects that will reduce emissions and and associated health impacts from freight and cargo transportation in collaboration with the Port of Baltimore, one of Baltimore City’s largest and most concentrated sources of emissions.

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Environmental Integrity Project

$50,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of the “Baltimore Environmental Justice Campaign,” designed to improve health and quality of life in Baltimore neighborhoods that are most harmed by environmental pollution.

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Friendly Loving Opportunities

$40,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of wages for six formerly homeless individuals to collect and deliver donated furniture to recently housed homeless individuals and families.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.