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

Maryland Food Bank

$30,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For transportation expenses, gleaning costs, storage and salaries for the implementation of the Fresh Foods for Families program, providing fresh produce gleaned by volunteers from regional farms with leftover harvests.

Maryland State Department of Education

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
In support of an event to benefit Teach For America and Maryland’s Initiative for New Teachers.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$40,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For support of an initiative to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit and free legal and tax preparation services at ten Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites for low-income families and individuals in Baltimore City. The initiative provides for training of volunteers and site coordinators and marketing efforts.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Maryland

$25,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
Toward the salary of an advocate consultant with responsibilities for promoting the critical need for increased funding earmarked for drug treatment initiatives in Baltimore City and throughout Maryland.

National Museum of Ceramic Art and Glass

$28,700 / 2002 / Arts
For supplies, equipment, training and teacher stipends for the continued implementation of the ceramic arts curriculum in classroom settings and after-school ceramic clubs in 20 Baltimore City public middle schools. Selected examples of student work are displayed at an annual exhibition at the Baltimore Gas and Electric Building and at Harbor Place.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.