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

Community Law Center, Inc.

$70,000 / 2002 / Community Development
Two-year funding for the Real Estate Services Project created to fight the blight of vacant housing in marketable neighborhoods. The goals of this project are to ensure that existing residents remain confident about their neighborhoods, to keep City housing stock competitive with suburban housing markets, and to stimulate reinvestment in City housing.

Civil Justice, Inc.

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For continued support of the First Time Home Buyers Project in Baltimore City.

Citizens Planning and Housing Association

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
In support of expenses related to CPHA’s Rally for the Region 2002, focusing on three issues: funding for drug treatment, improved transit systems, and community legacy/investment in older neighborhoods. The purpose of the rally was to bring together diverse groups from the region to express support for the CPHA agenda.

Charles Street Development Corporation

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
Toward a parking study of Charles Street from Fayette Street to North Avenue.

Baltimore Regional Partnership

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For a study to compile an inventory of areas with development or redevelopment potential for the Baltimore Regional Rail System Plan.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.