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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

Fuel Fund of Maryland

$100,000 / 2017 / Community Development

In support of Affordability Solutions programs, which include bill assistance, Watt Watchers workshops, and Energy Coaching.

Fuel Fund of Maryland

$123,670 / 2016 / Environment

In support of the Solar Energy Equality Program, which aims to close the affordability gap in the cost of energy for low-income Baltimore City residents.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$20,000 / 2020 / Education

The Abell-funded Baltimore City Schools report,  “Preparing All Students for Economic and Career Success” (2019) uncovered issues and made recommendations for improving the school system’s Career and Technical Education program. As a working group created a four-year Master Plan for CTE, a number of questions arose that required more data collection and analysis. This grant has enabled City Schools to contract with Project Evident to analyze CTE coursework, facilities, teacher recruitment/training and student career interest. Final CTE program recommendations will enable the Master Plan to be complete by Summer 2020.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$25,000 / 2016 / Education

For continued support of the three year implementation of the Chicago Parent Program in Baltimore City Public Schools.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$59,215 / 2018 / Education

Partnering with Baltimore City Schools, The Abell Foundation has co-sponsored the Baltimore Robotics League, an afterschool competitive robotics clubs for students from Kindergarten to 12th grade who build and compete in VEX and FIRST tournaments locally and nationally.  Over 600 students participate in robotics clubs three hours per week at 78 school locations.  Abell funding this year has been dedicated to increasing the number of Jr. FIRST Lego teams in 20 elementary schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.