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

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

$63,623 / 2000 / Community Development
For continued support of the Live Near Your Work program, in partnership with Citizens Planning and Housing Association. The purpose of the program is to provide financial incentives for employees who purchase homes in neighborhoods near their workplace.

Live Baltimore Marketing Center

$39,000 / 2000 / Community Development
For marketing activities, including website development and development of employee recruitment packets, to promote living in Baltimore City.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

$75,000 / 2000 / Community Development
For a four-month study of the feasibility of establishing a Medical Technology Park within the Empowerment Zone at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Homes for America

$30,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Seed funding, including salaries, benefits and travel costs, earmarked for the development of housing units in northern Anne Arundel County, specifically for families being relocated from Baltimore City public housing.

Greektown Community Development Corporation

$45,700 / 2000 / Community Development
One-year funding for the development of a property intervention and stabilization program for the revitalization of Greektown. The intent of the program is to retain a high level of homeownership, prevent deterioration of properties through acquisition and property management services, and develop a viable commercial corridor with regional appeal.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.