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

Arundel Habitat for Humanity

$40,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Toward the renovation of eight rowhouses in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Baltimore City. Using the national Habitat for Humanity model, Arundel Habitat staff supervises volunteer crews to perform the majority of work on each house, including demolition, framing, and finishing. Construction focuses on energy-efficient appliances and windows. Each of the houses is sold to a low-income household at 0 percent financing offered by Arundel Habitat.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
For support of the Educational Funders Affinity Group. In this forum, grantmakers interested in educational issues and initiatives learn about school reform efforts, collaborative funding opportunities, and availability of educational resources and materials. In addition, three cities, including Baltimore, exchanged information of best practices, and learned about philanthropic endeavors in public education.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

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

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$7,500 / 2008 / Other
For 2008 membership dues.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers/ Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative

$50,000 / 2008 / Community Development
To strengthen the capability of community development organizations in targeted neighborhoods offering assistance to households facing foreclosure. Support is given to groups providing pre- and post-purchase counseling and legal assistance.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.