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

Maryland PIRG Foundation

$20,000 / 2005 / Environment
Challenge grant to provide staffing in support of the Environmental Health Policy Project. In partnership with other nonprofits, Maryland PIRG will work to raise awareness of mercury, dioxin, and other health-related environmental concerns, pursue media coverage, and produce reports on the harmful effects of airborne toxins.

Herring Run Watershed Association

$55,000 / 2005 / Environment
Two grants toward renovation of the Herring Run Watershed Center responding to “green technologies” that have been developed to reduce residential energy costs. The green plan includes the installation of a bamboo floor, solar hot water heating system, cistern to gather rainwater, and use of green-friendly materials. With the expectation that this effort should reduce energy costs by 30 percent, the storefront rowhouse will serve as a model for other neighborhood rowhouses.

Environment Law Institute

$10,000 / 2005 / Environment
In support of “Putting Tax Policies in the Service of Chesapeake Bay Pollution Prevention.” The goal is to develop tax incentives that support Maryland agriculture, while providing measures to help prevent water pollution caused by agricultural practices.

Environmental Integrity Project

$50,000 / 2005 / Environment
In support of an effort designed to strengthen Maryland’s Clean Air Act by investigating permit and compliance records of Maryland’s coal-burning power plants. The project will attempt to educate the community about the cost benefits of requiring clean-up of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide emissions.

The Conservation Fund

$100,000 / 2005 / Environment
For continued implementation of the Technical Assistance Program, now serving five selected counties and their planning boards. The goal is to develop plans designed to ensure balance of smart growth with prudent conservation. Building on the award-winning model for the town of Vienna, MD, the Fund encourages planning that ensures economic viability while protecting landscapes, aquatic resources, woodlands, and wildlife.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.