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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

BRIDGE, Inc.

$40,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Toward funding of inclusionary zoning for the Baltimore Region Campaign. BRIDGE, a faith-based organization uniting congregations across the Baltimore metropolitan area, provides education and advocacy in support of inclusionary zoning legislation in the Baltimore region. The program’s mission is to help abate the affordable housing crisis in the region.

Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative/ Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$85,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For support of the collaborative Neighborhood Revitalization activities and for the Transit-Centered Community Development Initiative. The collaborative has been developed to help build local leadership and increase investment in six neighborhoods.

Baltimore Development Corporation

$25,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For the development of a plan to establish a nonprofit entity charged with providing oversight and day-to-day management of the Inner Harbor.

Baltimore Development Corporation

$25,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Continuing support of administrative expenses of Maglev-Maryland, a program developed to support a magnetic levitation high-speed train. When fully operational, the train holds the potential to reduce travel time between Baltimore and Washington to less than 20 minutes.

Baltimore City Heritage Area Association

$5,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For the design of signage for future heritage trails originating at the Inner Harbor.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.