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

Environmental Law Institute

$20,000 / 2001 / Environment
In continued support of the Forests for the Bay Project in an effort to abate forest fragmentation and disappearance of Maryland woodlands. The project advocates the voluntary landowner management of existing forestland, cooperative management of smaller parcels, re-establishment of trees in brownfields, provisions for property tax incentives for retention and stewardship of forests, expansion of programs to secure forest buffers along the waterways, and better monitoring of current forest harvest practices to ensure compliance with regulations.

Episcopal Housing Corporation

$40,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Toward renovation costs of two vacant houses in the Reservoir Hill community to assist in the strengthening of the neighborhood.

Everyman Theatre

$5,000 / 2001 / Arts
Toward general operations for a repertory theater company of actors who live and work in the Baltimore Washington area.

Friends of Patterson Park

$5,000 / 2001 / Community Development
In support of BikeJam 2001, an urban cycling festival held in Patterson Park.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$10,000 / 2001 / Education
In support of an ongoing evaluation comparing the effects of Catholic education programs and those of the Baltimore City Public School System. A selected number of at-risk inner-city youth will be in the study.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.