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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?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us an LOI

Ready to Apply for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

League of Women Voters of Maryland, Inc.

$5,000 / 2003 / Community Development
In support of the Symposium on Gambling, a forum to debate the issues associated with the development and operation of slot machines in Maryland.

Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies

$5,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For the completion of a study on the current rental housing market in Baltimore City.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$100,000 / 2003 / Community Development
Start-up costs of a new nonprofit organization to expand the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative beyond a pilot. To attract new homebuyers and encourage existing homeowners to invest in Baltimore’s neighborhoods, Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. offers renovation loans and marketing assistance. The program aims to increase homeownership, the market value of homes, and the attractiveness of participating Baltimore neighborhoods.

Friends of Patterson Park

$25,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For support of initiatives to revitalize Patterson Park Friends of Patterson Park advocates for capital improvements and develops events and programs for year-round activity in the park. By maximizing the public use and appreciation of the park, the initiatives are expected to increase the desirability of the surrounding neighborhoods, improve safety, and create a sense of stewardship of the park as a city resource.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$50,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For continued support of the facade Improvement Program coordinator’s position The coordinator markets and administers a facade grant program funded by the City of Baltimore. By offering matching grants to property owners, the Partnership encourages private investment in downtown properties and businesses to improve the physical appearance and market appeal of Baltimore City’s downtown. The program targets buildings that are in violation of zoning and building codes.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.