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 submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application. For guidance on what to include in your LOI, please reference our frequently asked questions.

Submit 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Friends of Patterson Park

$18,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of the Volunteer Teams Project, a volunteer training program designed to improve the park’s maintenance, and encourage usage.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association

$75,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For support of the Regional Housing Equity initiative, designed to organize and support development of affordable housing, to explore foreclosure intervention as a tool for increasing regional housing equity, to identify key locations for targeted development of affordable units, and to explore homeownership models for low-income and Section 8 recipients.

The Book Thing of Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For the purchase of a building to expand the distribution of free books to students, teachers, and residents of Baltimore City. Responding to a lack of books in Baltimore City public schools, The Book Thing redistributes more than 20,000 donated books a week.

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc.

$25,000 / 2005 / Community Development
Toward support of ongoing residential and commercial revitalization initiatives in the Belair-Edison neighborhood. In partnership with the Healthy Neighborhoods and Main Street programs, the organization works to strengthen the market for residential and commercial properties, improve their physical condition, and build a strong sense of community.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.