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

Earthome Productions

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
In support of public discussions about the video, “The Next Industrial Revolution,” which presents the challenges to economic development and environmental and social responsibilities for future sustainability.

Educational Opportunity Program

$42,300 / 2002 / Education
For staffing of a full-time facilitator to increase the high school graduation rate among Baraka School graduates by providing a constructive role model, academic and social support, and links to college and career counseling.

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.

Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County

$5,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of mattresses, linens and replacement beds for a shelter serving domestic violence victims.

Food Link

$5,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Toward handling fees for gleaned produce distributed to more than 100 emergency feeding programs in Anne Arundel County.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.