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 Kids Chess League, Inc.

$74,000 / 2012 / Education
For support and expansion of the 2012-2013 Baltimore City Public Schools’ Chess Education Project, an after-school program for 1,000 students in 60 Baltimore City elementary, middle, and high schools. The league provides each school with materials, teacher-training programs, supervision of activities, local tournaments, and arrangements for regional and national tournaments.

Baltimore Medical System, Inc.

$110,000 / 2012 / Health and Human Services
Toward support of an Asthma Improvement Project for 1,500 students in four Baltimore City Public Schools. The objectives are to provide health education and care coordination, control asthma symptoms, reduce the use of rescue medications, and improve school attendance.

Baltimore Neighborhood Collaboration/ABAG

$60,000 / 2012 / Community Development
For continued support of the Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation Services initiative, awarding grants, expanding capacity, providing skills training, and undertaking policy research to support neighborhood revitalization through community development.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2012 / Arts
In support of the 2012 Baltimore Book Festival. The 17th annual three-day free festival is a hallmark weekend and attracts more than 55,000 attendees. Some 200 local, regional, and national authors provide opportunities to participate in authors’ readings, panel discussions, book signings, literary workshops, children’s workshops, and the creation of original work. This year, an additional pavilion houses independent presses and publishers, and authors provide a weekend of lectures.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$25,000 / 2012 / Arts
Toward support of Free Fall, an initiative that allows 91 small and emerging arts and cultural organizations with budgets of $300,000 or less, to offer more than 300 free programs and events. A publicity program has increased the visibility of these organizations.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.