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

Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (MCAT)

$37,500 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For support of the Customized Customer Service CVS training program for entry-level positions at CVS pharmacies. The goal of the program is to recruit, select, and train 150 individuals; CVS is committed to hiring at least 150 new employees.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For continued support of research and educational programs designed to increase public recognition and support of the arts in Maryland.

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.

Maryland Food Bank

$12,500 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Baltimore City School Pantry Program. In exchange for volunteering in the schools, parents are eligible to attend classes on nutrition, budgeting, and meal planning, and to receive free food once a month.

Maryland PIRG Foundation

$20,000 / 2005 / Environment
Challenge grant to provide staffing in support of the Environmental Health Policy Project. In partnership with other nonprofits, Maryland PIRG will work to raise awareness of mercury, dioxin, and other health-related environmental concerns, pursue media coverage, and produce reports on the harmful effects of airborne toxins.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.