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

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$30,000 / 2004 / Education
For continued support of tuition at area parochial schools for children of buyers of Patterson Park Community Development Corporation homes.

Arena Players

$5,000 / 2004 / Arts
Challenge grant for the purchase of new sound and lighting equipment for the longest-running African-American community theater in the country. By providing programs designed to preserve and present the African-American experience, the theater develops local artistic talent, cultivates minority playwrights, provides cultural enrichment, and advances cultural and professional opportunities for adults and young people interested in theater.

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance

$10,000 / 2004 / Arts
Two grants for general support and development of arts education tool kits designed to integrate the arts into the curricula of Maryland public schools.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

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

Baltimore Academies/National Academy Foundation School

$27,000 / 2004 / Education
In support of the design and installation of a new state-of-the-art National Academy Foundation kitchen to be used for the culinary portion of the Academy of Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality at its new location on the Digital Harbor Campus. This program provides an intensive four-year school-to-work curriculum that enables high school students to participate in internships.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.