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

Preservation Maryland

$25,000 / 2003 / Community Development
For continued support of the Historic Communities Investment Fund, a matching grant program designed to create additional historic districts in Baltimore City. These new and expanded districts will be eligible for the Maryland State historic rehabilitation tax credit refund.

Rebuilding Together Baltimore

$25,000 / 2003 / Community Development
Two-year funding for staffing to expand programs providing emergency repairs to low-income homeowners through volunteers and donations.

Recovery Network Foundation

$25,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
For renovation costs of a facility to be used as a transitional housing program for 15 uninsured and indigent addicted males in Baltimore City. The program will also address the medical, legal, occupational, vocational, educational and future housing needs of the residents.

Reservoir Hill Improvement Council

$100,000 / 2003 / Community Development
Toward staffing costs of a rehabilitation specialist and a housing counselor to support the first year of Baltimore City’s acquisition, renovation and resale of 200 houses in an effort to revitalize the Reservoir Hill neighborhood.

Rose Street Community Center

$150,000 / 2003 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of drug treatment and job training programs for 2003-2004. The Center supports job training, educational opportunities, after-school tutoring programs for neighborhood youth, and drug treatment programs. The Center also provides weekly stipends to participants to assist with living expenses while enrolled in self-help programs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.