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 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 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.

Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

$5,000 / 2004 / Arts
For expenses in support of the symposium, “The Role of the Arts in Urban Revitalization.” The event’s focus was on the role of arts and culture as a force for improving the quality of life in cities.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$30,000 / 2004 / Arts
Toward costs of supplies, equipment, and teacher stipends for in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 25 Baltimore City public middle schools for the 2004-2005 school year. The ceramics program, integrated into the core academic subjects, provides workshops and coaching for teachers, opportunities for teacher networking, year-end public art exhibits, and permanent installations of students’ work.

Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA)

$5,000 / 2004 / Arts
In support of GBCA’s Symposium 2004, which charged participants with developing ten ideas to promote culture in Baltimore.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.