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

Greater Baltimore Committee

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For a study on the economic impact of a new arena in downtown Baltimore.

Friends of Patterson Park

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For support of BikeJam 2002, an urban cycling festival held in Patterson Park.

Empower Baltimore Management Corporation

$75,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For a consultancy service to prepare a proposal for EBMC’s application for the New Markets Tax Credit. This new urban revitalization tool approved by Congress in 2000 is intended to increase the amount of capital available to businesses located in communities where poverty exceeds 20 percent.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore.

$50,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For staffing support of the Code Enforcement/Facade Improvement Grant Program. By offering matching grants to property owners for investing in their building facades, the Partnership intends to encourage private investment in downtown properties and businesses, and to improve the physical appearance and market appeal of Baltimore City’s downtown. The program targets buildings that are in violation of zoning and building codes.

Community Law Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
In support of a community organizing initiative designed to prevent the private property of evicted tenants from being placed in public right-of-ways.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.