Read our 2024 Annual Report

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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

Parks & People Foundation

$48,836 / 2002 / Environment
For the development and implementation of a community greening strategy to create and maintain pocket community gardens in the Greenmount/Barclay neighborhoods in collaboration with the People’s Homesteading Project.

Friends of Patterson Park

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
Toward the cost of a crime prevention program in Patterson Park during the summer months in an effort to increase use of the park among the young and old.

Friends of Patterson Park

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
For reprinting the “Master Plan for Patterson Park” and publishing an “Update and Supplement to the Master Plan for Patterson Park.”

Earthome Productions

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
In support of public discussions about the video, “The Next Industrial Revolution,” which presents the challenges to economic development and environmental and social responsibilities for future sustainability.

The Chester River Association

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
Toward supporting the position of a riverkeeper, to serve as guardian of the Chester River charged with protecting its water quality and biodiversity from further degradation. As land use changes impact the watershed, the riverkeeper will maintain a public presence in planning efforts.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.