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

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$68,000 / 2002 / Education
To provide scholarships enabling Baltimore City at-risk students to attend parochial schools in Baltimore City during the 2002-2003 school year, as part of a longitudinal study comparing student performance in Catholic and public schools. By participating in this model delinquency and dropout prevention program, these students are expected to benefit from smaller classes, one-to-one instruction and structured educational settings.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$9,500 / 2002 / Other
For 2002 membership dues.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
In support of the Education Funders Affinity Group for the 2002-2003 school year.

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.

Aunt Hattie’s Place, Inc.

$29,300 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For renovation costs of a long-term family-style residential home in Montgomery County for 12 homeless boys in Baltimore City’s foster care system.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.