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

Center for Urban Families

$400,000 / 2008 / Workforce Development
For continued support of STRIVE Baltimore, a job training and placement service for unemployed and/or underemployed men and women. In a three-week intensive workshop focusing on job readiness, the STRIVE model emphasizes attitudinal training, job placement, post-placement support, one-on-one and group counseling, parenting skills, and case management.

Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.

$30,000 / 2008 / Environment
For continued support of collaboration between the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association, Herring Run Watershed Association, and the Jones Falls Watershed Association. The center provides technical expertise to the local watershed associations with the implementation of water quality improvements, storm water retrofits, detection of illicit discharge, and downspout disconnection demonstration projects.

Charles Village Community Foundation, Inc.

$15,000 / 2008 / Community Development
Challenge grant for support of the Trash Basket Initiative, in operation evenings and weekends. Funding will support purchase of a truck and associated costs, fuel, insurance, and maintenance. The goal of the program is to eliminate trash on streets and alleys in Charles Village, improve the appearance of the neighborhood, and encourage resident retention and reinvestment in their homes and neighborhood.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2008 / Environment
For support of the 2009 Environmental Legislative Summit.

Chesapeake Bay Trust

$25,000 / 2008 / Community Development

Toward the Urban Greening Initiative designed to help meet Baltimore City’s goal to expand the green cover in urban areas and double the tree canopy in 30 years. This grant will help fund the planting of 4,500 to 5,000 trees; provide technical assistance and support to nine low- and moderate-income neighborhoods participating in their competitive sub-grant process; and reach out to other neighborhood organizations, encouraging them to work with and support grassroots and resident-based efforts.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.