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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

At Jacob’s Well, Inc.

$30,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
A challenge grant toward the conversion of an abandoned building at 337 East 25th Street into three apartments to provide housing and services to homeless and mentally ill persons with little or no income.

Audubon Maryland-DC

$30,000 / 2005 / Environment
For continued support to enable the Audubon Center in Patterson Park to serve as a conservation resource, providing a broad range of educational and family events. Working closely with neighboring schools, Audubon will continue to enhance an environmental program that integrates Maryland State Standards and includes field trips and end-of-year service projects.

Baltimore ACORN/ American Institute for Social Justice

$20,000 / 2005 / Community Development
To conduct an analysis of new data available under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. The report will detail lending patterns, summarize findings, and offer recommendations to consumers, the lending industry, and local officials. The purpose of the report is to provide information that stimulates and expands access to financing in minority and low-income communities with the long-range goals of improving housing opportunities for minorities and stabilizing communities.

Baltimore City College Alumni Association

$15,000 / 2005 / Education
Two grants in support of the 2005-2006 Speech and Debate Program at Baltimore City College High School.

Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD)

$25,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For support of BCHD’s Transforming Baltimore’s Public Health Clinics project, established to encourage greater utilization of Baltimore’s public clinics.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.