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

$5,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Toward expenses for a management and efficiency review of several Baltimore City government agencies.

Empower Baltimore Management Corporation

$5,000 / 2000 / Community Development
For support of a telemarketing initiative designed to keep Empowerment Zone residents informed about available support programs and services.

East Harbor Community Development Corporation

$45,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Two grants for the development of a business plan for the Urban Energy Cooperative. The study assesses the feasibility of organizing a cooperative to provide energy products, services, and jobs within the Empowerment Zone.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$75,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Three-year funding toward the salary of the Director of the Downtown Housing Initiative. The goal of the project is to market the initiative to potential developers, property owners and lenders, and, within a three-year period, to develop 1,000 additional housing units in the downtown area.

Community Law Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Toward staffing costs of a coordinator to focus on Baltimore’s housing crisis, including mortgage scams, flipping schemes, and predatory lending.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.