Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Associated Black Charities

$24,975 / 2015 / Workforce Development

For support of a study on Sub‑Bachelor STEM Career Pathways for Baltimore City residents.

Art with a Heart

$20,000 / 2015 / Workforce Development

Toward support of the 2015 Summer Job Program, a visual arts program for 60 at‑risk Baltimore City youth.

Teach For America – Baltimore

$150,000 / 2015 / Education

For expenses related to the cost of recruiting, selecting, training, and ongoing support for Teach For America corps members, as well as the development of TFA alumni for leadership positions in Baltimore City public schools for the 2015‑2016 school year.

Saint Frances Academy

$392,223 / 2015 / Education

For tuition for the third year of the Father Joubert high school boarding program at Saint Frances Academy, and to expand year‑round housing for 16 homeless Baltimore City boys who will also attend Saint Frances Academy.

Reading Partners

$80,000 / 2015 / Education

Toward expansion of the Reading Partners one‑to‑one literacy tutoring for underperforming K to 5 students in 16 Baltimore City Public Schools elementary schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.