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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

$60,603 / 2001 / Community Development
For additional support of the Live Near Your Work program, in partnership with Citizens Planning and Housing Association. The purpose of the program is to provide financial incentives for employees who purchase homes in neighborhoods near their workplace.

Live Baltimore Marketing Center

$40,000 / 2001 / Community Development
For continued support of marketing activities designed to promote residential living in Baltimore City. Focus will be website and distribution of sales packets.

International Center for Sustainable Development

$300,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Two grants for start-up costs to establish the International Center for Sustainable Development in Baltimore. The focus of the program is to promote energy conservation, efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development through the efforts of an Energy Ombudsman and the convening of a Sustainable Baltimore Forum of community leaders and experts to discuss local opportunities.

Green Policy Institute/The Tides Foundation

$35,000 / 2001 / Community Development
For a feasibility study of a societally oriented, environmentally friendly chicken processing business on the Eastern Shore. The study addresses the potential marketability and profitability of a business to process and distribute high-quality natural chicken products free of hormones and antibiotics.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$28,958 / 2001 / Community Development
For expenses related to the sale of the Community Court Building.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.