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 Department of Housing and Community Development

$60,603 / 2001 / Community Development
For additional support of the Live Near Your Work program, in partnership with Citizens Planning and Housing Association. The purpose of the program is to provide financial incentives for employees who purchase homes in neighborhoods near their workplace.

Live Baltimore Marketing Center

$40,000 / 2001 / Community Development
For continued support of marketing activities designed to promote residential living in Baltimore City. Focus will be website and distribution of sales packets.

International Center for Sustainable Development

$300,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Two grants for start-up costs to establish the International Center for Sustainable Development in Baltimore. The focus of the program is to promote energy conservation, efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development through the efforts of an Energy Ombudsman and the convening of a Sustainable Baltimore Forum of community leaders and experts to discuss local opportunities.

Green Policy Institute/The Tides Foundation

$35,000 / 2001 / Community Development
For a feasibility study of a societally oriented, environmentally friendly chicken processing business on the Eastern Shore. The study addresses the potential marketability and profitability of a business to process and distribute high-quality natural chicken products free of hormones and antibiotics.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$28,958 / 2001 / Community Development
For expenses related to the sale of the Community Court Building.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.