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

Baltimore Heritage, Inc

$5,000 / 2000 / Community Development
In support of historic preservation activities in Baltimore City.

Baltimore Office of Promotion

$5,000 / 2000 / Education
In support of the Fifth Annual Book Festival’s Workshop for Young Writers’ educational component.

Baltimore Urban League

$10,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Two grants for general operating support for comprehensive human services for those in need throughout Baltimore.

Baltimore’s Festival of the Arts, Inc.

$25,000 / 2000 / Arts
For support of the 2001 CityARTS Grant Program. The funds are earmarked to benefit emerging and small arts organizations committed to serving youth and disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Best Friends

$200,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For expenses related to activities of Best Friends, a pregnancy prevention program for at-risk adolescent females in four Baltimore City middle schools. The program consists of monthly group classes, weekly fitness classes, and individual mentoring sessions.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.