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

Access Art, Inc.

$25,000 / 2002 / Arts
Two grants toward the renovation of a vacated branch library building to house an art gallery, studio, photography laboratory and graphic computer center for after-school art programs to serve at-risk youth in the Pigtown and Morrell Park neighborhoods. This initiative has been designed to deter anti-social behavior of disengaged youth.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$13,250 / 2001 / Other
Two grants for 200l general membership and the Education Funders Affinity Group.

Women Behind the Community, Inc.

$10,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Dressing Room Project, an initiative providing professional clothing and work-related training to welfare-to-work recipients.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$10,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Planning grant for the development of a comprehensive business plan for an automotive technician training center in Baltimore City.

Vehicles for Change, Inc.

$49,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Third-year funding of a transportation program to provide used reconditioned cars for low-income residents of Baltimore City who need a car to get to work.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.