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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Johns Hopkins University

$52,000 / 2015 / Education

To launch a STEM‑focused lab and curriculum at Barclay Elementary/Middle School in partnership with JHU’s Whiting School of Engineering.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$85,500 / 2015 / Education

For support of the 2015‑2016 BCPS Chess Education program in Baltimore City elementary, middle, and high schools.

Baltimore City Public Schools

$170,460 / 2015 / Education

For support of the 2015‑2016 National Academic League extra‑curricular academic program in 30 Baltimore City public middle schools.

WYPR Your Public Radio Corporation

$12,000 / 2015 / Environment

Support for The Environment in Focus, a weekly program on environmental issues that airs on WYPR and four other stations in Maryland.

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

$12,980 / 2015 / Environment

For the design of an independent verification system for the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.