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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore Opera Company

$48,200 / 2007 / Arts
For the purchase and installation of equipment for Metropolitan Opera simulcasts in the Lyric Opera House. Once the equipment is installed, the Baltimore Opera will launch a series of eight Saturday afternoon Metropolitan Opera simulcasts promoting opera to an expanded audience. The company will explore alternative forms of operatic entertainment to generate additional revenue.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2007 / Arts
For support of the 2007 Baltimore Book Festival. The festival features authors, exhibitors, workshops, discussions, reviews of student work by professionals and peers, resources for young writers, tutorials with accomplished writers, and a contest for young writers that offers cash or a scholarship prize.

The African American Festival Foundation

$5,000 / 2007 / Arts
For support of the 2007 African American Heritage Festival, showcasing and celebrating the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans. The Festival attracts local and national audiences of more than 500,000.

Access Art, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Arts
Toward expenses of an art program for at-risk youth in the Pigtown and Morrell Park neighborhoods. The purpose of Access Art is to provide young children with creative resources that foster responsible citizenship and serve the community through projects such as murals in public spaces and anti-graffiti campaigns.

West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
For continued support of outreach activities in efforts to protect, preserve, and restore the West River, the Rhode River, surrounding tributaries, and watershed. The group plans to enhance preservation and restoration efforts by operating a waste-water pump-out boat on the rivers, and expanding water quality monitoring and bacteria testing efforts to 12 sites. It will continue to advocate for greater enforcement of the Critical Area Act.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.