Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For continued support of the Tenant Advocacy Project. The objectives are to reduce the number of eviction cases and the number processed through the court and to eliminate the practice of depositing tenant belongings in the public right-of-way and the cost of chattel pickup and disposal.

Progressive Maryland Education Fund

$5,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For support of the fund’s outreach campaign designed to educate the public and mobilize public involvement in the process of resolving Maryland’s fiscal crisis.

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

$30,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For continued support of an initiative to clean streets and alleys in the Patterson Park community. The effort is intended to help eliminate trash and create a visually appealing, comfortable, and secure community in the 22-block area.

Parks & People Foundation

$60,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward start-up costs of two revenue-producing ventures: Chesapeake Trees, an urban tree nursery; and Baltimore City Wood Works, LLC, a waste wood reuse/recycle business. The purpose is threefold: to grow and sell local urban-appropriate tree species that can be used to increase the tree canopy; create opportunities for city residents to learn about environmental restoration/mitigation projects; and generate examples of successful environmental social ventures.

Maryland PIRG Foundation

$15,000 / 2007 / Community Development
Toward the implementation of a statewide campaign to promote energy policies focused on efficiency and conservation. MaryPIRG will produce timely and relevant research on models for energy-efficiency and conservation programs and practices, including case studies with cost benefits, funding mechanisms, and best methods of program delivery. Such efforts will encourage the state to pursue energy policies that are consumer-oriented and environmentally sustainable.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.