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

Baltimore ACORN/American Institute for Social Justice

$74,450 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward staffing of the Environmental Justice Initiative, a lead paint abatement initiative. The program combines grassroots outreach, education, lead testing, and legal advocacy, in targeted, high-risk neighborhoods in the Park Heights area. By designing a self-assessment checklist and action plan for parents and day care providers, ACORN inspectors (with the consent of tenants) will test the properties for lead poisoning and file court orders to have landlords clean up properties not in compliance.

Baltimore City Healthy Start, Inc.

$60,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To complete the renovation of a seven-bedroom house and adjoining Laundromat in Southwest Baltimore for use as a transitional housing facility for Recovery In Community (RIC) clients. As a state-certified outpatient program, RIC offers outreach, comprehensive on-site case management, on-site auricular acupuncture, and help in finding employment.

Baltimore City Heritage Area Association

$75,000 / 2004 / Community Development
In support of a feasibility study to designate Baltimore City as an approved National Heritage Area. The designation recognizes the city’s historic significance and enables it to receive National Park Service funding to support tourism and marketing efforts.

Baltimore City Heritage Area Association

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

Baltimore City Public School System

$110,000 / 2004 / Education
For salaries and benefits of five Baltimore City Public School System teachers who had been furloughed in the spring of 2004 for budgetary reasons.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.