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

Maryland Environment Trust

$5,000 / 2003 / Environment
In support of an initiative to secure donated voluntary easements as an alternative strategy to land acquisition.

Herring Run Watershed Association

$5,000 / 2003 / Environment
For operating funds during a leadership transition, to ensure active stewardship in the watershed.

The Chester River Association

$5,000 / 2003 / Environment
For partial funding of the position of a riverkeeper to monitor activity on the Chester River, so as to protect water quality and biodiversity from degradation. As changes in land use impact the watershed, the riverkeeper is expected to maintain a presence at local planning boards and keep the public informed about best conservation practices.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2003 / Environment
In support of the 2004 Environmental Legislative Summit.

Center for Watershed Protection

$50,000 / 2003 / Environment
For continued support of the Builders of the Bay program, designed to convene a series of county roundtable task forces. These roundtables investigate existing building codes and ordinances in their respective counties and make recommendations to their planning commissions, to ensure that each county’s building codes are environmentally sensitive and economically feasible.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.