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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Fund for Educational Excellence

$75,000 / 2012 / Education
To expand the capacity of the Fund for Educational Excellence, in an effort to increase student achievement in Baltimore City Public Schools. By addressing existing student policy and/or practice gaps, the fund identifies and advocates for best practices that target important issues to students, teachers, and leaders.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$10,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward support of the Baltimore City Public Schools Leadership Pipeline and Development Project, developed to widen the pool of talented candidates for school leadership. The goals are to increase the number of principals, reduce principal attrition rates, and identify and improve the skills of talented staff on the leadership path.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$20,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward the development and launch of an interactive Baltimore City School Choice website, which will assist students and their families in making more informed decisions about specific school attributes; admissions criteria; and special academic programs, such as those in career and technology.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$25,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward funding in support of Acelero Learning, which facilitates the Baltimore City Head Start Re-Competition 2013 proposal for submission to the federal government.

Dyslexia Tutoring Program

$15,000 / 2012 / Education
Toward support of tutoring services for up to 125 low-income children attending Baltimore City Public Schools. Students receive up to 60 hours of weekly, hour-long, one-on-one reading instruction based on the Orton Gillingham reading methodology. The program offers eight in-service workshops for teachers representing 25 Title l schools, and is currently training 110 tutors.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.