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

Reading Partners

$50,000 / 2013 / Education
Toward implementation of the Reading Partners one-to-one literacy tutoring for underperforming K to grade-five students in five Baltimore City Public Schools elementary schools.

Office of the Mayor

$5,000 / 2013 / Education
For the purchase of backpacks and school supplies for the Mayor’s Annual Back to School Rally.

New Leaders – Baltimore

$50,000 / 2013 / Education
For support of the New Leaders-Baltimore program to recruit and develop outstanding school principals for Baltimore City public schools for the 2013-2014 school year.

National Council on Teacher Quality

$5,000 / 2013 / Education
For support of an analysis of teacher attendance patterns in Baltimore and comparable U.S. cities.

Morgan State University

$84,000 / 2013 / Education
For support of the CASA Academy, a summer bridge program to prepare 40 Baltimore City high school graduates, who have been admitted to Morgan State University but have intensive remedial needs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.