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

Morgan State University

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For support of the Youth Art Institute’s three, two-week summer sessions to serve disadvantaged youth, ages five through 14. In daily workshops, the children explore the collections at Morgan State University’s James E. Lewis Museum of Art, and then are challenged to create works of art inspired by the collection.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For continued support of research and educational programs designed to increase public recognition and support of the arts in Maryland.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For continued support of Baltimore Art Exposure. The program has been created to eliminate the problem of empty storefronts in downtown Baltimore by enhancing the windows with displays of artwork by local artists.

Baltimore Opera Company

$70,000 / 2005 / Arts
Toward renovation costs of the Monument Street Opera Center to house educational outreach programs for the neighborhood. The additional space offers a community arts and music camp and an apprenticeship program designed to train carpenters, electricians, and sound, set, lighting, and stage technicians.

Baltimore Clayworks, Inc.

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For continued support of a satellite ceramic art studio in the Mondawmin Mall. In this urban setting, a 4,400 square-foot space has been transformed into an artist-centered studio where Clayworks artists offer affordable and accessible arts programs to the local community.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.