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?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us an LOI

Ready to Apply for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Code in the Schools

$60,000 / 2024 / Workforce Development

In support of DataTrail, a data science job training program for Baltimore City residents, ages 18 to 24. DataTrail provides in-person and online training and tutoring services, as well as career mentoring, for 20 participants a year, for three years.

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The Community School

$25,000 / 2024 / Education

In support of the academic and mentoring program at The Community School.

Dent Education

$40,000 / 2024 / Health and Human Services

In support of Dent Education’s general operations to support its summer and school-year programs for Baltimore City high school students.

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FreeState Justice

$25,000 / 2024 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations to provide legal and social services support to Baltimore’s low-income LGBTQ community.

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Fund for Educational Excellence

$50,000 / 2024 / Education

In support of the many services provided by the Fund For Educational Excellence, including fundraising and collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools, convening education stakeholders, and serving as a fiscal sponsor to education nonprofits.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.