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

The New Govans Economic Management Senate

$5,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For the development and implementation of a strategic plan designed to revitalize neighborhoods in the Govans community. Its purpose is to restructure and strengthen the organization and to provide a voice for the Govans community.

Neighborhoods of Greater Lauraville, Inc.

$25,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For continued support of housing and commercial revitalization programs designed to improve the communities of Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Lauraville, Moravia-Walther, Morgan Park, and Waltherson. This effort will focus on marketing the neighborhoods and providing access to renovation loans through an Abell Foundation guaranteed loan program.

Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Coalition/ International Center for Sustainable Development

$30,000 / 2005 / Community Development
To promote hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Center will develop a website, quarterly newsletter, plan for a regional hydrogen energy conference in 2006, and create a database of regional information.

Maryland Film Festival

$18,500 / 2005 / Community Development
Toward the Friends of the Festival Campaign, established to create a major film festival in Baltimore. The program is designed to encourage film production in Baltimore City and Maryland, and increase the size of the festival’s audience for year-round events to 20,000 by 2007.

The Loading Dock

$100,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For purchase, renovation, and relocation costs of a new facility to provide affordable recycled building materials for housing and community improvement. By doubling the size of its facility, the Loading Dock will be able to serve more customers in Baltimore City and in metropolitan area.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.