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

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.

NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc.

$20,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the expansion of educational services designed to reach low-income families in Baltimore City who have children suffering from mental illness. Customized information packets, comprehensive resource notebooks, one-on-one assistance through NAMI’s help line, and a series of workshops addressing child and adolescent mental health issues are made available.

NCADD-Maryland (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence)

$30,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Toward the cost of a consultant to provide research and policy guidance on drug treatment issues for the general public and policymakers, and oversight for NCADD committees in the area of drug addiction

Neighborhoods of Greater Lauraville, Inc.

$25,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Toward the cost of supporting a marketing program in the Greater Lauraville communities. The program offers financing and counseling to owners of residential and commercial properties to stimulate investment and renovation activity.

Office of the Mayor

$60,000 / 2004 / Education
Toward the Baltimore City Mayoral Fellowships for the summer of 2004. The purpose of the fellowships is to increase the number of talented graduate and undergraduate students who have an interest in public service to work in Baltimore City government.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.