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 Film Festival

$90,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Two-year funding for travel expenses to bring filmmakers to Baltimore during the annual festival as a marketing tool to encourage film production in Baltimore and Maryland.

Maryland Food Bank

$100,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
For implementation of strategic programming to enhance the distribution of donated, salvaged, but unsalable food products for the hungry throughout Maryland.

Maryland Food Bank

$48,750 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
To provide staffing and operating costs for expansion of the Baltimore Area Gleaning Network’s outreach efforts, utilizing volunteers to gather leftover produce from regional farms for Baltimore’s working poor families and those at risk of hunger.

Maryland State Department of Education

$150,000 / 2000 / Education
Additional funding for an evaluation of the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP), administered annually to all Maryland public school students in the third, fifth, and eighth grades.

Midtown Community Benefits District, Inc.

$5,000 / 2000 / Community Development
In support of maintenance for the city park at Mount Vernon Place.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.