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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

Center for Watershed Protection

$25,000 / 2001 / Environment
To support the Builders of the Bay program, designed to launch a series of local roundtable task forces. These task forces will investigate existing building codes and ordinances and make recommendations to local county planning commissions designed to make building codes environmentally sensitive and economically feasible.

Baltimore Police Foundation

$50,000 / 2001 / Environment
In support of the Environmental Crimes Unit Campaign Against Illegal Dumping, including prosecution of offenders and the establishment of a “tip line” to encourage citizens to report illegal dumping. This effort will target ten “hot spots” that have been identified as chronic dumping sites for commercial debris and illegal contaminants.

1000 Friends of Maryland

$27,400 / 2001 / Environment
For the cost of developing a County Score Card, measuring efforts to abate sprawl, and publishing a guide to issues related to land-use legislation. This guide is being written for activists who are interested in familiarizing themselves with the political process and land use litigation.

Preservation Maryland

$25,000 / 2001 / Community Development
For the Historic Communities Investment Fund, a matching grant program to create additional historic districts in Baltimore. These new and expanded districts will be eligible for the Maryland State Historic rehabilitation tax credit refund.

People’s Homesteading Group

$50,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Two-year support of the Anchors of Hope initiative in the Greenmount Community for the rehabilitation of six vacant houses for resale.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.