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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Jubilee Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For support of an initiative to develop homeownership in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District and the Hollins Market neighborhood. The initiative is intended to attract investment in the neighborhoods by marketing vacant properties for acquisition and renovation.

Job Opportunities Task Force

$30,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For a study on the high cost of goods and services for low-income Baltimore City residents. The report will provide recommendations of ways to relieve the burden of high priced goods and services to low-income city residents, and to begin a community discussion about the inequality of pricing in the Baltimore area.

Friends of Patterson Park.

$18,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of the Volunteer Teams Project. The purpose of the project is to provide volunteer-driven decision-making authority over Patterson Park’s improvements and upkeep of the boat lake, trees, beautification projects, and the Pagoda.

Community Law Center, Inc.

$50,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year support of the Project to End Predatory and Deceptive Real Estate Practices in Baltimore City. This grant will fund an investigatory report examining transactions behind the illegal “We Buy Houses” signs to determine the legality of settlement schemes and practices of the participating appraisers, title companies, attorneys, mortgage brokers, and lenders.

Civil Justice, Inc.

$69,250 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding for support of the Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Project. The purpose of the project is to provide direct legal representation to a limited number of victims of foreclosure rescue fraud. The project will assess the effectiveness of the Protection of Homeowners of Foreclosure Act of 2005.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.