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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

Holy Nativity and St. John’s Development Corporation

$250,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Toward construction costs of the Pimlico Road Arts and Community Center, to house Head Start, after-school programs, and a family support center. The center will offer parenting programs for families in the Lower Park Heights community.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$100,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For general support of a partnership of banks, foundations, and government and community organizations committed to strengthening underserved neighborhoods. Benefits to the ten designated neighborhoods are expected to stabilize property values and improve quality of life.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$120,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Toward the cost of publicity and preparation of materials for environmental hearings related to the high-speed train initiative, Baltimore-Washington Maglev.

Friends of Patterson Park

$30,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Two grants: for support of Sundays With the Kids, a series of children’s performances and interactive art-oriented activities during the summer months; and, for continued support of initiatives designed to help revitalize Patterson Park. Friends of Patterson Park advocates for capital improvements, and develops programs for year-round activity. The initiatives are expected to increase the desirability of the surrounding neighborhoods, improve safety in the park, and create a sense of community stewardship.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$50,000 / 2004 / Community Development
In support of staffing for the Partnership’s Facade Improvement Grant Program. Coordinating with Baltimore City, the Downtown Partnership provides matching funds to facilitate the improvement of facades in the downtown area. Enhancing the look of the buildings is expected to attract private investment, increase pedestrian traffic, and improve the business climate.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.