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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

The Baltimore Community Foundation, Inc.

$150,000 / 2000 / Community Development
To provide operating support for six nonprofit organizations participating in the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative in targeted Baltimore neighborhoods. The purpose of the initiative is to increase homeownership, to stabilize as well as increase market values of homes, and to enhance the ambiance of the neighborhoods.

Baltimore Center for the Performing Arts

$1,000,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Four-year funding for leasehold improvements to the historic Hippodrome Theatre, a venue to house Baltimore’s premier Broadway road shows in the heart of the West Side redevelopment area.

National Museum of Ceramic Art and Glass

$42,170 / 2000 / Arts
Two grants for staffing and expansion of ceramic art after-school programs for the 2000-2001 school year in 18 Baltimore City public middle schools.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation

$5,000 / 2000 / Arts
For general support to promote the cultural arts in Baltimore City and throughout Maryland.

Maryland Art Place

$100,000 / 2000 / Arts
Toward relocation costs of their headquarters to 34 Market Place. The new location affords a highly visible venue for contemporary art works and will become an expanded resource center for artists living in Maryland.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.