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 African American Festival Foundation

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For support of the 2005 African American Heritage Festival, an annual family celebration of the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans. Attracting more than 500,000 visitors each year, the festival showcases education, visual arts, vendors, entertainment, and faith-based organizations serving the community.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$7,500 / 2004 / Other
For 2004 membership dues.

Washington Village/Pigtown Neighborhood Planning Council, Inc.

$75,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For staffing at the Family Support and Career Center to plan and implement the Managed Work Services model. Managed Work Services contracts with businesses to staff high turnover, entry-level positions. Residents gain valuable work experience in these temporary, transitional jobs, and are then placed into permanent jobs.

Vehicles for Change, Inc .

$45,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Sixth-year funding of a transportation program structured to provide 45 reconditioned cars to low-income residents of Baltimore City who need cars to obtain and hold living wage jobs, and to transport children to child care.

University of Maryland Medical System

$50,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward expenses related to the Breathmobile program for asthma treatment of inner-city children in Baltimore City public schools. The program, which delivers state-of-the-art asthma care to more than 400 children, is expected to decrease asthma attacks, absenteeism, and emergency room visits. Data collected will assess the program’s effectiveness.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.