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 Citizens for the Arts Foundation.

$5,000 / 2006 / Arts
For continued support of research and educational programs designed to increase public awareness and support of the arts in Maryland.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$5,000 / 2006 / Arts
For continued support of Baltimore Art Exposure, a program created to improve the appearance of empty store fronts and other public places by offering showings of artwork by local artists. The changing installations are designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing streetscape, and to offer artists the opportunity to participate in community revitalization.

Baltimore Clayworks, Inc.

$5,000 / 2006 / Arts
Toward the cost of relocating the satellite ceramic arts studio from Mondawmin Mall to the Forest Park Senior Center. In the new studio, Clayworks artists will continue to offer affordable and accessible arts programs, including after-school and summer programs, to adults and students.

The African American Festival Foundation

$5,000 / 2006 / Arts
In support of the 2006 festival, showcasing and celebrating the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans. The Festival attracts a local and national audience of more than 500,000 visitors.

West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc.

$10,000 / 2006 / Environment
For start-up costs for monitoring activities to clean up the West/Rhode River watershed by increasing the number of volunteers and expanding outreach activities. The riverkeeper will meet with state and local leaders to develop cooperative efforts, file complaints with state and county commissioners, testify on pollution issues, commission a study on the effectiveness of the Critical Area Act, and review approved variances.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.