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

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$100,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of general operations for staff and programs supporting senior homeowner repair, summer youth employment, and youth sports in Southeast and East Baltimore.

Learn More

Be Org Inc.

$30,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of general operating expenses for The Be.Org, a mentoring, workforce development, and STEM program serving around 250 students across eight school sites.

Learn More

Community Wealth Builders, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Philanthropy Network

$36,750 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of efforts to deepen community investment in Baltimore’s local, minority-owned businesses and community wealth building through the Crowdfund Baltimore platform.

Learn More

Economic Action Maryland

$119,600 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of expanding services to assist Baltimore residents in landlord-tenant matters with bilingual financial counseling support as a complement to tenant advocacy and financial case management services.

Learn More

Environmental Defense Fund

$75,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of leveraging federal resources to implement projects that will reduce emissions and and associated health impacts from freight and cargo transportation in collaboration with the Port of Baltimore, one of Baltimore City’s largest and most concentrated sources of emissions.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.