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

BCPS/Baltimore City College High School

$588 / 2013 / Education
For expenses related to a reception for the 2013-2014 Speech and Debate Program.

BCPS/Baltimore City College High School

$115,000 / 2013 / Education
For renovation costs of the school library.

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.

Baltimore Teacher Network

$5,000 / 2013 / Education
Toward the cost of teacher meetings, website expenses, printing materials, and office supplies.

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

$75,000 / 2013 / Education
For the development of science/engineering curricula and related teacher development for the STEM: Girls Only! program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.