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

Audubon Maryland-DC

$30,000 / 2003 / Environment
The funding makes it possible for the Audubon Center in Patterson Park to continue serving as a conservation resource, providing a broad range of educational programs for all ages, adult workshops and family events

1000 Friends of Maryland

$5,000 / 2003 / Environment
For the production of a report, “Greening the Budget: 11 Ideas for Protecting the Environment and Easing Maryland’s Fiscal Crisis, 2004.” The report, part of a national effort aimed at fighting threatened budget cuts in environmental programs in cities and states, suggests strategies to close loopholes in the tax code, eliminate subsidies for pollution and deter other cuts of environmentally damaging projects.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$45,000 / 2003 / Environment
For general support to continue promotion of Smart Growth strategies, designed to stabilize and revitalize existing communities while protecting Maryland’s natural resources.

The Restoration Conservancy

$5,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For research to investigate options for amending Maryland State brownfields laws to conform to federal laws.

Reservoir Hill Improvement Council

$100,000 / 2003 / Community Development
Toward staffing costs of a rehabilitation specialist and a housing counselor to support the first year of Baltimore City’s acquisition, renovation and resale of 200 houses in an effort to revitalize the Reservoir Hill neighborhood.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.