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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For general support of Maryland ACLU activities.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$150,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Regional Housing Equity Project, designed to provide African-American families with the opportunity to move to low-poverty areas in the surrounding counties and in Baltimore City, where they can expect to enjoy safer neighborhoods, better schools, and increased access to job opportunities. As the result of a partial settlement of the Thompson v. HUD lawsuit in 1996, and with assistance from the housing mobility program, more than 2,000 inner-city families from public housing projects have been able to move throughout the region. A final settlement of the lawsuit in 2012 will enable 2,600 additional families to move to neighborhoods that offer better opportunities.

1 Baltimore, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward travel costs of the 1 Baltimore Basketball Travel Team, to participate in the 2012 American Athletic Union National Tournament in Florida.

Urban Teacher Center, Inc.

$150,000 / 2012 / Education
For support of the Urban Teacher Center (UTC), designed to prepare teachers to serve Baltimore City’s neediest schools. The teaching program requires applicants to make a four-year commitment beginning with a residency year, and followed by three years of teaching in a high-need Baltimore City Public School. UTC provides a model for teacher preparation and state licensure that is linked to student performance results.

University of Baltimore

$44,800 / 2012 / Education
For support of the College Readiness Academy, an initiative designed to develop college and academic skills for 380 students in seven Baltimore City public high schools. The initiative aims to increase scores on college placement tests, and ensure that juniors and seniors avoid remedial coursework in college.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.