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

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$85,000 / 2017 / Education

In support of the 2017/2018 competitive chess education program for over 750 K-12 students in up to 40 Baltimore City schools.

Baltimore Education Coalition (BEC)

$20,000 / 2017 / Education

In support of BEC’s efforts to organize the Campaign for Funding Adequacy, a campaign to fix Maryland’s education funding formula.

Baltimore Corps

$124,000 / 2017 / Community Development

In support of scaling pathways to opportunity and advancing an institutional agenda for equity and effectiveness across Baltimore’s social impact sector. 

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$200,000 / 2017 / Education

For two-year continued support of the Maryland and Baltimore City Education Reform Project.

The Ingenuity Project

$400,000 / 2017 / Education

For support of the 2017-2018 Ingenuity Project, an advanced math, science, and research program for 630 Baltimore City public middle and high school students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.