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

Irvine Nature Center

$5,000 / 2000 / Environment
For the development of three additional modules for Natural Connections, an urban environmental education program.

Environmental Law Institute

$5,000 / 2000 / Environment
For design and publication costs of the “Forests for the Bay”; report. The report recommends the adoption of forest landscape policy goals to promote the expansion and connection of contiguous forests that protect the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

$5,000 / 2000 / Environment
For expenses related to the seventh annual Environmental Legislative Summit.

Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Program

$5,000 / 2000 / Environment
Toward the expansion of the Communities Organized to Revitalize the Environment (CORE) Program. Funding supports after-school activities for Baltimore City public school students.

South East Community Organization

$96,410 / 2000 / Community Development
Toward salaries for caseworkers, loan processors, and rehabilitation specialists for a senior home modification program. The purpose of the effort is to integrate home health intervention, home modification, and ongoing support to promote independent living for low- to moderate-income seniors in their homes.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.