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

Creative Alliance, Inc.

$5,000 / 2001 / Arts
For a marketing study of the current demand for artists’ studio-residencies as part of the major renovation of the Patterson Center for the Arts in East Baltimore. In addition to providing a residency program, the Center will house contemporary art exhibits, music, dance and theatrical performing groups, and year-round educational programs.

Dayspring Programs, Inc.

$5,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For expenses related to the ongoing renovations of the Dayspring Children’s Place, a residential facility for foster children and children of substance-abusing parents.

Earthome Productions, Inc.

$11,500 / 2001 / Environment
Three grants for expenses related to production, pre-screening and symposia on “The Next Industrial Revolution,” a treatise on sustainable economic, environmental and social responsibility.

Earthspan/Center for Conservation Research & Technology/University of Maryland Baltimore County

$91,000 / 2001 / Education
For the implementation of Eye of the Falcon, an educational pilot program in math, science and wildlife conservation research within the Ingenuity Project curriculum in Baltimore City public middle schools.

Enoch Pratt Free Library

$34,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For an evaluation of the Technology Center to determine the effectiveness of current programming designed to help clients seek better paying jobs and increased personal growth. The study also addresses staffing and physical plant needs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.