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

Clean Water Fund

$15,000 / 2005 / Environment
Matching grant in support of the reopening of a Baltimore office. Its objective is to develop grassroots organizing, and to strengthen coalitions with other local environmental organizations. The Baltimore effort will focus on creating community awareness, eliminating toxic emissions from medical waste incineration, energizing community support for clean water and clean air, and training neighborhood groups to use federal, state, and local strategies for environmental health protection.

The Chesapeake Rivers Association

$5,000 / 2005 / Environment
For support of the Severn Riverkeeper Program’s effort to protect, preserve, and restore the Severn River. With a designated riverkeeper on staff, the association is in a stronger position to attract volunteers for monitoring and restoration, and to build scientific and outreach programming.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2005 / Environment
For the 2006 Environmental Legislative Summit. The agenda will include issues of restoration of full funding for Program Open Space, preservation of agricultural lands, and reduction of pollution from agricultural run-off and coal-fired power plants.

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.

American Farmland Trust

$50,000 / 2005 / Environment
For continued support of activities designed to ensure the success of the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program. In preparation for the Governor’s Forum on Agriculture in February 2006, the American Farmland Trust facilitated eight sessions with representatives from farming communities to address issues facing Maryland farmers: profitability, land preservation, protection to ensure well-managed agricultural land, and education for the next generation of farmers.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.