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

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$25,000 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Patterson Park Youth Program, providing safe, healthy, and engaging activities for more than 400 neighborhood children. The program includes basketball and football leagues, reading and art clubs, and a summer youth employment program. Adult volunteers serve as coaches, mentors, teachers, and tutors.

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.

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.

BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc.

$37,500 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For support of a partnership with Shire U.S. Manufacturing, Inc., to develop a training program for entry-level laboratory technician positions. The Institute’s program is designed to enhance students’ understanding of biotechnology and to introduce them to careers in the field.

BUILD Fellowship, Inc.

$5,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward general operating expenses for outreach programs serving men and women recovering from substance abuse.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.