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

Osmosis Theater/Baltimore Shakespeare Partnership

$5,000 / 2002 / Arts
To underwrite expenses for economically disadvantaged Baltimore City public school students to attend the 2002 Shakespeare Summer Camp program. The four-week summer camp culminated with two Shakespeare productions for the public performed at Artscape and at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Parks & People Foundation

$180,000 / 2002 / Education
For continued support of SuperKids Camp 2002, a six-week summer educational, cultural and recreational program for third-grade Baltimore City public school students performing below grade level.

Parks & People Foundation

$48,836 / 2002 / Environment
For the development and implementation of a community greening strategy to create and maintain pocket community gardens in the Greenmount/Barclay neighborhoods in collaboration with the People’s Homesteading Project.

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

$285,000 / 2002 / Community Development
Two grants toward staffing and operating expenses to support the continuation of an effort to halt the deterioration of the neighborhoods north and east of Patterson Park, through housing acquisition and rehabilitation, rental to responsible tenants and sale to homeowners.

Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

$20,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For continuation of an initiative to clean streets and alleyways in the 22-square-block area of the Patterson Park community.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.