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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore City Public Schools – SummerREADS

$101,670 / 2012 / Education
For support of the second year of the 2012 SummerREADs book distribution program and summer reading for 2,000 second-, third-, and fourth-grade students attending high-poverty, low-performing public schools in Baltimore City. The program is designed to prevent literacy loss over the summer months. With support of teachers and family members, participating students are given 12 self-selected books at their reading level to encourage voluntary summer reading. An evaluation by Johns Hopkins University will compare 2011 and 2013 proficiency MSA reading scores among the participants.

Baltimore City Public Schools – National Academic League

$182,028 / 2012 / Education
For support of the 2012-2013 National Academic League (NAL), which involves 700 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from 28 Baltimore City public middle schools in a year-long scholastic extracurricular activity. The NAL games function as competitive events, with after-school team practices two to three times a week under the guidance of teachers. Interscholastic competitions are held every two weeks. First- and second-placed teams compete nationally through video-conferencing. It is intended that participation will increase potential for acceptance into a Baltimore City selective-admission high school.

Baltimore City Public Schools / Baltimore City College High School

$109,698 / 2012 / Education
For capital expenses to replace window screens and carpeting in the band and choir rooms, repair locker rooms, and install fencing around the football field/track.

Baltimore City Community College Foundation, Inc.

$218,250 / 2012 / Education
For support of the new Aspiring Scholars Scholarship Program, which provides performance-based scholarships for 75 graduates of Baltimore City Public Schools entering Baltimore City Community College. The scholars are linked to a facilitator who ensures the students are registering for appropriate courses, familiar with their own performance levels, and referred to campus resources for support.

American Communities Trust

$65,000 / 2012 / Education
For implementation of the Baltimore Scholar Athlete Program in three Baltimore City Public Schools. Support is provided through counseling, coaching, mentoring, and SAT preparation. In each school, a dedicated resource space, known as the “Zone,” is equipped with laptops, printers, e-readers, Internet access, mailboxes, calculators, and electronic membership cards for student-scholars to use on a daily basis. Data are collected on attendance; GPA; athletic participation rates; and graduation, college-acceptance, and matriculation rates.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.