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

BCPS/Cecil Elementary School

$53,200 / 2013 / Education
For the implementation of the Grade Level Tutoring Initiative, a prescriptive literacy tutoring program with two part-time reading coaches for kindergarten and first-grade students at Cecil Elementary School.

BCPS/Hampstead Hill Academy Elementary/Middle School

$1,600 / 2013 / Education
For the purchase of materials and supplies for the Early Birds Playgroup pre-school summer program at Hampstead Hill Academy.

BCPS/Roland Park Elementary/Middle School

$5,000 / 2013 / Education
Toward support of The Write Place, a writing program at Roland Park Elementary/Middle School for 900 Baltimore City public school fourth- through eighth-grade students.

Beat the Streets – Baltimore

$25,000 / 2013 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of wrestling mats for an after-school amateur wrestling program in 12 Baltimore City public schools.

Beginning Effective Recovery Together

$5,000 / 2013 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For operating expenses and the purchase of household items and appliances for a supportive housing facility for men and women recovering from substance abuse and/or homelessness.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.