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 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 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.

$80,000 / 2016 / Education

For expenses related to the Baltimore Kids Chess League, an after school chess program for elementary, middle, and high school students in up to 50 Baltimore City public schools.

Baltimore City Public Schools

$170,180 / 2016 / Education

For support of the 2016 2017 National Academic League in Baltimore City public schools.

Baltimore CASH Campaign

$100,000 / 2016 / Workforce Development

For support of the Baltimore CASH Campaign Creating Assets, Savings and Hope: a tax and financial aid program for low income individuals and families.

Youth Empowered Society

$30,000 / 2016 / Health and Human Services

For continued support of the YES Drop-In Center, which provides effective programming to engage youth experiencing homelessness and help them achieve housing, employment, and wellness. 

Youth as Resources (YAR)

$20,000 / 2016 / Community Development

For support of Task Force, a workforce development initiative for at-risk youth in Baltimore City.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.