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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Our Past Grants

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc.

$5,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of an advertising campaign in the City Paper to promote Belair-Edison, its homes, events, and news. By establishing a wider presence, the campaign is expected to reach prospective buyers, capture the attention of real estate agents, and reinforce confidence of current residents in the neighborhood.

Baltimore Efficiency & Economy Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2005 / Community Development
Seed funding for the Cooperative Administrative Services Initiative, designed to facilitate efforts by local governments in the Baltimore metropolitan area to share resources. By reviewing the best practices of cooperative efforts around the country, the participating subdivisions will be in a better position to determine how they can reduce costs.

Baltimore Development Corporation

$25,000 / 2005 / Community Development
Continuing support of administrative expenses for Maglev-Maryland, a program to develop a magnetic levitation high-speed train between Baltimore and Washington. When fully operational, the train could reduce the travel time between the two cities to less than 20 minutes.

Baltimore ACORN/ American Institute for Social Justice

$20,000 / 2005 / Community Development
To conduct an analysis of new data available under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. The report will detail lending patterns, summarize findings, and offer recommendations to consumers, the lending industry, and local officials. The purpose of the report is to provide information that stimulates and expands access to financing in minority and low-income communities with the long-range goals of improving housing opportunities for minorities and stabilizing communities.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$30,000 / 2005 / Arts
For support of in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 29 Baltimore City public middle schools for the 2005-2006 school year. Developed in context with the core subjects and Maryland State Content Standards, the program is used to enhance students’ reading, writing, and creative skills. The nine-month program provides equipment, supplies, and teacher stipends, along with professional training workshops, coaching, and monthly opportunities for teacher networking, and culminates with a year-end exhibit of student work and installation of a mural in a public setting.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.