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

Urban Teacher Center, Inc.

$250,000 / 2014 / Education

Two‑year funding to provide bridge funding for scaling the number of teachers trained for Baltimore City Public Schools and achieving financial sustainability by 2017.

Thread

$200,000 / 2014 / Education

For continued support of the Thread mentoring program for students at Dunbar High School and the Academy for College and Career Exploration.

Coalition of Baltimore Public Charter Schools

$30,000 / 2014 / Education

Two‑year funding for support of the Coalition of Baltimore City Public Charter Schools.

Bard College

$300,000 / 2014 / Education

Toward the establishment of the Bard High School Early College Baltimore.

University of Maryland/Philip Merrill College of Journalism

$25,000 / 2014 / Environment

For expenses related to the 2015 Abell Professorship in Baltimore Journalism symposium, “Can Art Change the City?”

Header photo courtesy of Thread.