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

Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development

$75,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Toward staffing for a vacant house intervention and community conservation program. This initiative is designed to identify vacant or problem properties in the community and to track these properties through the code enforcement process.

Baltimore Center for the Performing Arts

$1,000,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Four-year funding for leasehold improvements to the Hippodrome Theatre, a venue to house Baltimore’s premier Broadway road shows in the heart of the West Side redevelopment area on Eutaw Street between Baltimore and Fayette Streets.

Young Victorian Theatre Company

$5,000 / 2001 / Arts
Toward a permanent endowment to stabilize the Young Victorian summer community theater.

National Museum of Ceramic Art and Glass

$42,720 / 2001 / Arts
For continued support of the implementation of the ceramic arts curriculum in classroom settings and instruction and after-school ceramic arts clubs in 19 Baltimore City public middle schools.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation

$10,000 / 2001 / Arts
Two grants for the expansion of arts education and outreach programs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.