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 Resources

$30,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For the development of the Metro Green Urban Tree Nursery and Training Center. Established on a reclaimed brownfield to provide a source of street trees, the Center will also offer horticultural and tree care training and landscaping skills to unemployed Baltimore City residents.

Core Knowledge Foundation

$161,500 / 2002 / Education
In support of the implementation of the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence in all Baltimore County Head Start Centers; three Baltimore City Public System School preschools; and one private preschool, for the 2002-2003 school year. The purpose of this initiative is to help the participating Head Start Centers refocus their curriculum on school readiness.

Creative Alliance, Inc.

$300,000 / 2002 / Arts
Toward the construction of a multi-functional cultural arts facility, the Patterson Center for the Arts, located in Highlandtown. The project has been developed to draw artists and audiences to East Baltimore as part of a revitalization effort. The facility will house a theater for performing groups in dance, theater and music, video and film studio, nine studio/residential apartments, a cafe, exhibition space, offices, and community meeting rooms.

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.

Druid Heights Community Development Corporation

$25,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Start-up funds for the establishment of the New Life Recovery Program, a transitional recovery house for ex-offenders in Baltimore City.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.