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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

Creative Alliance

$100,000 / 2004 / Arts
A challenge grant to retire the loan for major capital renovations of the Patterson Theater in Highlandtown. The cultural center houses exhibition and performing space for more than 350 art, film/video, music, dance, and poetry events, and offers residential studios for eight artists. The theater’s presence as a gateway to Highlandtown is expected to prove a catalyst for the continuing revitalization of the neighborhoods.

Baltimore Clayworks

$35,000 / 2004 / Arts
For planning and marketing of the 2005 Tour de Clay, a six-week exhibit of 878 regional, national, and international ceramic artists in more than 99 venues located in Baltimore City and around Maryland. This visual arts event, now one of the largest in the country, was planned to coincide with the 39th Annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference and the annual American Craft Council show.

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance

$10,000 / 2004 / Arts
Two grants for general support and development of arts education tool kits designed to integrate the arts into the curricula of Maryland public schools.

Arena Players

$5,000 / 2004 / Arts
Challenge grant for the purchase of new sound and lighting equipment for the longest-running African-American community theater in the country. By providing programs designed to preserve and present the African-American experience, the theater develops local artistic talent, cultivates minority playwrights, provides cultural enrichment, and advances cultural and professional opportunities for adults and young people interested in theater.

The African-American Festival Foundation

$5,000 / 2004 / Arts
In support of the 2004 African-American Heritage Festival. Typically, the festival has attracted more than 475,000 people over a three-day period.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.