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

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.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$64,000 / 2013 / Education
For support of the 2013-2014 BCPS Chess Education Project, an after-school program in more than 50 Baltimore City elementary, middle, and high schools.

Baltimore City Public Schools

$170,442 / 2013 / Education
For support of the 2013-2014 National Academic League in 28 Baltimore City public middle schools.

Baltimore City Public Schools

$145,000 / 2013 / Education
For support of the 2013 SummerREADs book distribution program for 2,000 second- and third-grade students in 20 high-poverty, low-performing Baltimore city public schools.

Baltimore City Community College

$100,000 / 2013 / Education
Toward the implementation of the Complete College America’s replication of the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs in an effort to increase retention and graduation rates.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.