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

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
For support of the 2003 Environmental Legislative Summit.

Audubon Maryland-DC

$25,000 / 2002 / Environment
Toward the establishment of a field office in Patterson Park where Audubon will develop and implement preschool, after-school, in-school, family and community educational outreach programs. Serving as a potential conservation hub in the park, the Audubon Center will provide ornithological and ecological programs in collaboration with local schools within walking distance.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
Toward expenses of a one-day conference, Smart Growth in Maryland: Looking Back, Looking Forward.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
For the design and print of the Legal Handbook, a guide to issues related to land-use legislation for citizens interested in familiarizing themselves with the political process and land use litigation.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$25,000 / 2002 / Environment
For general operating expenses to support the continuation of outreach efforts designed to fight sprawl and preserve Maryland’s natural resources while encouraging controlled economic growth. These efforts will focus on the dissemination of recent reports, maps and technical assistance materials developed to educate new legislators, county officials and interested citizens on the long-term benefits of Smart Growth policies, historic tax credits, urban revitalization strategies, and preservation of vulnerable and valuable natural resources.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.