Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Preservation Maryland

$25,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For continued support of the Historic Communities Investment Fund, a matching grant program designed to create additional historic districts in Baltimore City. These new and expanded districts will be eligible for the Maryland State historic rehabilitation tax credit refund.

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

$20,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For continued support of an initiative to clean streets and alleys in a 22-square-block area of the Patterson Park community. The strategy is designed to improve the appearance of the neighborhoods and to encourage residents to invest in neighborhoods adjacent to Patterson Park.

Office of the Mayor

$60,000 / 2003 / Community Development
Two-year funding in support of the Baltimore City Immigration Outreach Initiative, to encourage permanent residency in Baltimore City.

Live Baltimore Home Center

$40,000 / 2003 / Community Development
To underwrite the costs of a program designed to attract new homebuyers and renters to Baltimore City. The Center provides neighborhood profiles and tours to prospective residents, creates a semi-annual City Living Resource Guide, maintains an extensive website, works with realtors to promote City and State homebuyer incentives, and participates in home buying outreach.

League of Women Voters of Maryland, Inc.

$5,000 / 2003 / Community Development
In support of the Symposium on Gambling, a forum to debate the issues associated with the development and operation of slot machines in Maryland.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.