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

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.

Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies

$5,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For the completion of a study on the current rental housing market in Baltimore City.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$100,000 / 2003 / Community Development
Start-up costs of a new nonprofit organization to expand the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative beyond a pilot. To attract new homebuyers and encourage existing homeowners to invest in Baltimore’s neighborhoods, Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. offers renovation loans and marketing assistance. The program aims to increase homeownership, the market value of homes, and the attractiveness of participating Baltimore neighborhoods.

Friends of Patterson Park

$25,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For support of initiatives to revitalize Patterson Park Friends of Patterson Park advocates for capital improvements and develops events and programs for year-round activity in the park. By maximizing the public use and appreciation of the park, the initiatives are expected to increase the desirability of the surrounding neighborhoods, improve safety, and create a sense of stewardship of the park as a city resource.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$50,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For continued support of the facade Improvement Program coordinator’s position The coordinator markets and administers a facade grant program funded by the City of Baltimore. By offering matching grants to property owners, the Partnership encourages private investment in downtown properties and businesses to improve the physical appearance and market appeal of Baltimore City’s downtown. The program targets buildings that are in violation of zoning and building codes.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.