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

Morgan State University

$5,000 / 2005 / Arts
For support of the Youth Art Institute’s three, two-week summer sessions to serve disadvantaged youth, ages five through 14. In daily workshops, the children explore the collections at Morgan State University’s James E. Lewis Museum of Art, and then are challenged to create works of art inspired by the collection.

Moveable Feast

$33,300 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For continued support of the Culinary Arts and Life Skills Training Program for unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents. Successful participants of the 12-week program, offered three times a year, receive certificates of completion of courses in culinary arts, CPR, first aid, and food handling. Graduates are placed in entry-level food service positions that pay at least $8.50 an hour, plus benefits.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$30,000 / 2005 / Arts
For support of in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 29 Baltimore City public middle schools for the 2005-2006 school year. Developed in context with the core subjects and Maryland State Content Standards, the program is used to enhance students’ reading, writing, and creative skills. The nine-month program provides equipment, supplies, and teacher stipends, along with professional training workshops, coaching, and monthly opportunities for teacher networking, and culminates with a year-end exhibit of student work and installation of a mural in a public setting.

National Heritage Foundation/B-SPIRIT-A2Y

$15,200 / 2005 / Health and Human Services
For support of the B-SPIRIT-A2Y after-school mentoring and tutoring program for at-risk adolescents in the Park Heights 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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.