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

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation (CDC)

$20,000 / 2004 / Community Development
To fund the cleaning of streets and alleys in a 22-block area of the Patterson Park community. This effort is designed to help eliminate unsightly trash and create a visually appealing, comfortable and secure environment.

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.

People’s Homesteading Group

$100,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For support of the redevelopment of eight vacant houses on East 22nd Street as part of Anchors of Hope, a homeownership program serving low-income families in the Barclay-Greenmount community. The purpose of this project is to reclaim deteriorated houses and renovate them for homeownership. Targeted buyers will have incomes between 50 and 80 percent of the area’s median income.

Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Capital funding for the renovation of a building at 330 North Howard Street, to create a restructured facility designed to house a downsized operation. The building will include space for Planned Parenthood’s recently expanded training and education program.

Public Justice Center

$75,000 / 2004 / Community Development
In support of the Tenant Advocacy Project to help reduce evictions and eliminate the practice of allowing tenant belongings to be placed on the curb. The center will focus on building support for eviction reform by completing legal research, drafting legislative proposals, and providing testimony in hearings before judges and legislators.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.