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

Friends of Patterson Park

$5,000 / 2005 / Community Development
For a feasibility study to renovate the White House in Patterson Park. The effort will explore the potential for shared office and programming space for Maryland-DC Audubon and Friends of Patterson Park.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.