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

Saint Frances Academy

$157,400 / 2012 / Education
To pilot a year-round boarding school program at Saint Frances Academy for seven homeless Baltimore City boys who will also attend the high school. The pilot will determine the feasibility of making a formal commitment to provide a structured environment with meals, study, and social activities in a nearby row house. By providing safe living arrangements and supervision, the program aims to increase chances of graduation and post-secondary college or career placement.

Reading Partners

$35,000 / 2012 / Education
Two grants for the implementation of Reading Partners, a one-on-one, twice-a-week K-5 tutoring program using trained community volunteers, in five Baltimore City public elementary schools. The program targets low-performing readers and is complemented by the Take Reading Home program, which provides age- and skill-appropriate reading materials for home use. The goal is to have students performing closer to grade level by the end of the school year.

Princeton Center for Leadership Training

$170,000 / 2012 / Education
For the implementation of the Peer Group Connection program in two Baltimore City high schools. The evidence- and school-based program supports the transition from middle to high school. The program includes a year-long, credit-bearing course for selected high school juniors and seniors, training them to become peer leaders, advisors, and mentors to all ninth graders in weekly advising meetings.

The Piney Woods School

$33,175 / 2012 / Education
To provide scholarships for three students from Baltimore City for the 2012-2013 school year, and toward the salary of a part-time Retention Counselor. The counselor monitors class attendance and participation, oversees study halls and dormitory behavior, and acts as a liaison and advocate for students and families – all with the intent of ensuring that the students graduate and plan for college or post-secondary education.

Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

$10,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward continued support of the Music Teacher Mentoring Program for first- and second-year music teachers in Baltimore City public elementary and middle schools. Three mentors will give one-on-one mentoring in lesson planning, curriculum development, sequential delivery of lessons, teaching of rhythm, tone, instrument care, and classroom management strategies.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.