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

Greater Baltimore Committee

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

Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance

$5,000 / 2001 / Arts
In support of the 2001 Greater Baltimore Cultural Summit, to address the issues of cultural tourism, collaborative programming, and enhanced community cultural 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.

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.

$5,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For emergency funds to provide shelter for homeless clients who cannot be served through Baltimore City services after the normal work hours.

Helen Keller Worldwide

$15,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For continued training and technical assistance in support of Baltimore City Health Department’s implementation of the ChildSight program in Baltimore City public middle schools. The initiative provides free vision screening and glasses for those children with severe refractive error who might not be able to afford the services otherwise.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.