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

Baltimore Development Corporation

$60,000 / 2002 / Community Development
Two grants for expenses related to the Maglev Project, a magnetic levitation high-speed train that, when fully operational, will reduce travel time between Baltimore and Washington to 16 minutes.

Baltimore Healthy Start, Inc.

$78,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Three grants for the purchase and renovation of properties for use as transitional housing, administrative space, and a laundromat for Recovery In Community clients participating in a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program. The funds also support staff training and equipment.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2002 / Arts
In support of the 2002 Baltimore Book Festival.

Baltimore Pediatric HIV Program, Inc.

$26,142 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a 15-passenger van to transport children with HIV/AIDS (ages two to four) and their parents served by the Day and Respite Program. The comprehensive and holistic program includes full-day child care, parental support groups, outreach and referral services, and prevention and educational programs.

Baltimore Police Foundation

$350,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
In support of the DNA Cold Case Project that uses DNA technology to identify Baltimore’s most violent offenders and to help clear innocent individuals.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.