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

Teach For America-Baltimore (TFA)

$250,000 / 2012 / Education
For expenses related to the cost of recruiting 150 new teachers, and retaining 175 second-year cohort members by providing ongoing support for Teach For America Corps members. TFA will increase civic/educational leadership capacity among its alumni to take leadership positions in Baltimore City Public Schools for the 2012-2013 school year.

Saint Cecilia Roman Catholic Church

$5,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward support of the CityWide Special Education Advocacy Project for physically disabled students in Baltimore City Public Schools. The purpose of the project is to provide collaboration, training, and advocacy designed to improve academic and social outcomes for students with special needs.

Saint Frances Academy

$230,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward administrative staffing costs and operating costs for the 2012-2013 school year. The college-preparatory school for students dealing with multiple socio-economic challenges offers partial scholarships to most of its 220 students, 92 percent of whom enroll in college. Funds are used to maintain critical social services, including counseling, and to keep the community center accessible throughout the year. Funds include the cost of hiring a director of development.

Saint Frances Academy

$5,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward renovation costs of a house owned by Saint Frances Academy to be used by boarding students.

Saint Frances Academy

$5,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward support of the Fall 2013 After-School Program at the Drs. Camille and Bill Cosby Community Center for inner-city children.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.