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

The School for Photographic Studies in Baltimore

$155,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Two grants for capital improvements to establish a photography school, offering full-year and one-semester courses, workshops, and weekend seminars for adult, non-degree photography students.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$75,000 / 2000 / Community Development
For staffing costs of an attorney and related expenses for St. Ambrose Legal Services, in support of its program designed to address mortgage scams in Baltimore City.

St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

$50,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Toward a study of fraudulent mortgage lending practices in Baltimore City.

Reservoir Hill H.O.P.E., Inc.

$78,967 / 2000 / Community Development
Toward renovation costs of five vacant houses on Madison Avenue in the Reservoir Hill community in an effort to help stabilize the neighborhood.

Preservation Maryland

$5,000 / 2000 / Community Development
For expenses related to research on tax implications of the historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate for prospective beneficiaries. The purpose of the program is to provide homeownership opportunities for individuals and families of modest means by enabling them to rehabilitate older housing stock, thus revitalizing deteriorating neighborhoods.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.