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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

1000 Friends of Maryland

$25,000 / 2004 / Environment
For an organizational assessment and development of a strategic plan. As a leading environmental advocacy organization, 1000 Friends is a public voice for preserving Maryland’s natural resources and open space while encouraging planned growth and redevelopment, and reinvestment in older neighborhoods.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$60,000 / 2004 / Environment
To support the Partners for Open Space campaign to help restore the funding for Maryland’s land conservation. The partners, a coalition of more than 120 environmental organizations across Maryland, plan to launch an educational program to showcase the long-term benefits to the community of continuing statewide land conservation initiatives, park improvements, and newly acquired public land.

Southeast Community Development Corporation

$15,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For renovation of the historic United Democratic Club building in Southeast Baltimore. The rehabilitation and sale of this property is expected to stimulate investment in the community.

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity

$100,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Toward the renovation of 25 vacant row houses in the Sandtown-Winchester community. The initiative is designed to increase homeownership for low-income families. Because volunteers from Sandtown-Winchester and the larger community are donating labor, the costs of the houses are kept affordable.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$150,000 / 2004 / Community Development
To fund the purchase of 60 vacant houses in Northeast Baltimore. St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center is serving as an Asset Control manager for FHA foreclosures of the houses being renovated and sold to new homeowners in a long-range effort to stabilize the neighborhoods and raise standards of renovation.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.