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

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
For support of educational programs for conservation voters in public policy decisions at the state and local levels. Through its role as a coordinator of the coalition of environmental groups and the use of its capacity-building tools such as the List Enhancement Program, the environmental Briefing Book, and Environmental Community Online System, the Education Fund helps the conservation community play a strong and more effective role in public health and conservation policy process at the state level.

Herring Run Watershed Association

$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
For support of the Patapsco/Back River Tributary Team and Stormwater Action Coalition survey of citizen understanding of stormwater impacts, and of actions to be taken designed to reduce contaminated runoff.

Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
For expenses related to promoting the Clean Car Program in Maryland. This advocacy effort calls for ten executive briefings with the governor’s administrative staff, the creation of a Commission on Climate Change, and scheduling of testimonials on global warming and environmental health at the legislative session.

The Chester River Association

$5,000 / 2007 / Environment
Toward a planning grant to serve as a catalyst for systemic change in the way environmental organizations address farming issues. The overall goal is to increase cooperation with farmers in the watershed and implement best management practices.

The Chesapeake Rivers Association

$15,000 / 2007 / Environment
Two grants in support of the Severn Riverkeeper Program’s efforts to protect, preserve, and restore the Severn River. Through daily shoreline and river monitoring, the Riverkeeper program protects vulnerable waterways by providing effective legal representation to stop inappropriate development and promotes enforcement by local and state authorities. By providing scientific evidence and effective legal representation to stop inappropriate shoreline development, the association was influential in the Maryland Critical Areas Commission decision to increase penalties for non-compliance and infractions from $500 to $10,000. Ongoing efforts are being made to install living shoreline in place of traditional riprap for erosion control.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.