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

Heart’s Place Shelter

$10,710 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For renovations to a kitchen and bathrooms in a winter emergency shelter for homeless men, women and children in the Midtown area.

High Zero Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 / 2002 / Arts
Challenge grant in support of the High Zero 2002 Festival of Experimental Improvised Music.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$128,256 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
In support of an initiative designed to reduce employment discrimination against ex-offenders by providing direct legal services to ex-offenders. The initiative will also create a legislative agenda advocating changes to selected state employment policies that create barriers to job-seeking ex-offenders.

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

$5,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Toward consultancy fees for the Labor Pool Organizing Project designed to advocate for greater government regulation and protection of temporary employees from unlawful practices.

International Center for Sustainable Development

$35,000 / 2002 / Community Development
Toward staffing to expand the Sustainable Baltimore initiative. The purposes of the project are to identify market opportunities for Maryland and U.S. businesses in sustainable development technology and services, to increase sustainable development practices in ongoing development plans, and to facilitate the export of regional technology and services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.