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

Live Baltimore Home Center

$25,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of Live Baltimore’s House Auction Project. Intended to promote the Station North neighborhood, the project calls for the conversion of a vacant house into a showcase home, and marketing it before putting it up for auction. The goal is to encourage redevelopment and investment.

Jubilee Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2005 / Community Development
In support of a pilot partnership between Jubilee Baltimore and Baltimore Heritage, established to provide community outreach and technical rehabilitation assistance to homeowners and buyers in the Marble Hill, Station North, and Hollins Market neighborhoods. While Baltimore Heritage provides small group workshops on the historic renovation process and facilitates access to state and city historic tax benefits, Jubilee Baltimore will offer a full program of renovation assistance, developing the scope of work, finding a contractor, overseeing the construction process, and helping to obtain financing.

Jubilee Baltimore, Inc.

$35,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of an initiative to encourage homebuyers and homeowners to acquire and renovate houses in Reservoir Hill. Jubilee Baltimore provides technical assistance that enables owners to access financing and historic tax credits and complete complex historic rehabilitation projects.

International Center for Sustainable Development

$25,000 / 2005 / Community Development
Toward a feasibility study and business plan for the creation of a Maryland Clean Energy Center. The Center is expected to foster the growth of existing clean energy businesses in Maryland and create new business and job training opportunities.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$125,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For general support of a partnership of banks, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations committed to strengthening ten underserved neighborhoods. The intent is to increase home values, market the communities, create high standards for property improvement, and increase the level of renovation and investment. Included are Midtown, Reservoir Hill, Garwyn Oaks, Patterson Park, Belair Edison, Greater Mondawmin, neighborhoods of Greater Lauraville, Charles Village, Southeast Baltimore, and Ednor Gardens.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.