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

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc .

$10,000 / 2008 / Health and Human Services
To continue to provide birth certificates and photo IDs for Baltimore City residents who are in need of health insurance, shelter, housing, and addiction services. Baltimore HealthCare Access will screen applicants for eligibility for health insurance programs and, if needed, purchase identification and citizenship documents for clients applying for benefits.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc .

$42,300 / 2008 / Education
For continued support of the 2008-2009 Chess Education Project, an after-school program in 50 Baltimore City public elementary, middle, and high schools. The project provides students the opportunity to receive coaching; engage in intermural, regional, and national competitions; and attend weeklong USA Chess Camp during the summer. The “First Move” chess curriculum is being offered in second-grade classrooms in three elementary schools as a pilot project.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2008 / Arts
A challenge grant for support of the 2008 Baltimore Book Festival. The September festival features more than 300 authors, exhibits, workshops, discussions, reviews of student work by professionals and peers, storytelling, nonstop readings, street performances, and live music.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$125,000 / 2008 / Arts
Five-year funding for support of the Janet and Walter Sondheim Prize, awarded annually at Artscape. The purpose of the prestigious award is to encourage artists to live and work in Baltimore.

Baltimore Opera Company

$32,000 / 2008 / Arts
Toward the purchase of equipment to accommodate Metropolitan Opera Simulcasts at the Lyric Opera House, as a strategy to expand the audience for opera in Baltimore. A series of eight operas will be scheduled Saturday afternoons.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.