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

Upton Planning Committee/ Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Collaborative

$50,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of revitalization efforts in the Upton community. Funding will encourage homeowners to take advantage of incentives for renovations and renters to become homeowners.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$100,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of the Foreclosure Prevention and Intervention Program. This effort will expand homebuyer education and homeownership counseling activities in Baltimore City, intervene when a family is unable to meet its mortgage obligation, and develop a comprehensive assessment of foreclosures in Baltimore City.

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$95,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For continued support of the Tenant Advocacy Project, an effort to reduce evictions and help eliminate the practice of allowing tenant belongings to be placed on the curb. The Center will focus on strengthening the coalition by providing research, legislative proposals, testimony, legal representation, and media support.

Preservation Maryland

$5,000 / 2005 / Community Development
In support of the 2005 National Main Streets Conference. The conference will highlight Baltimore Main Streets as a successful urban program, using the Hippodrome Theater and the surrounding redeveloped area as an example. Attendees will learn how to identify, evaluate, preserve, protect, and interpret historic districts, sites, structures, cultural landscapes, and heritage areas.

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

$20,000 / 2005 / Community Development
To fund the cleaning of streets and alleys in a 22-block area of the Patterson Park community. This effort is designed to help eliminate trash and create a visually appealing, comfortable, and secure environment.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.