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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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Greater Baltimore Committee

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For a study on the economic impact of a new arena in downtown Baltimore.

Friends of Patterson Park

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For support of BikeJam 2002, an urban cycling festival held in Patterson Park.

Empower Baltimore Management Corporation

$75,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For a consultancy service to prepare a proposal for EBMC’s application for the New Markets Tax Credit. This new urban revitalization tool approved by Congress in 2000 is intended to increase the amount of capital available to businesses located in communities where poverty exceeds 20 percent.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.

$50,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For staffing support of the Code Enforcement/Facade Improvement Grant Program. By offering matching grants to property owners for investing in their building facades, the Partnership intends to encourage private investment in downtown properties and businesses, and to improve the physical appearance and market appeal of Baltimore City’s downtown. The program targets buildings that are in violation of zoning and building codes.

Community Law Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
In support of a community organizing initiative designed to prevent the private property of evicted tenants from being placed in public right-of-ways.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.