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

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$200,000 / 2012 / Education

Two-year funding for continued support of the Baltimore City Education Reform Project, designed to maintain and secure equitable and adequate state and city education funding for all children in Maryland, with particular focus on disadvantaged children. The agenda calls for the reinstitution of the inflation factor in the budget, advocacy for full-day pre-K programs for poor children, interventions designed to increase attendance, and lower suspension rates. The ACLU will also monitor Baltimore City Public Schools to ensure that management and funding reforms translate into effective educational programming and that there is increased family participation in free and reduced-price meal programs.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$15,000 / 2011 / Other
For 2012 membership dues.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$36,000 / 2011 / Arts
For support of the 2011-2012 in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 42 Baltimore City public middle schools. Aligned with the Maryland Content Standards, and integrated with core subjects, the nine-month, hands-on experience provides the opportunity for students to acquire creative skills, as well as to reinforce reading, writing, and math skills. Arrangements are made for students’ work to be exhibited in the form of permanent murals in public places such as the Hollins Street Market and Pratt Street Pavilion.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

$5,000 / 2011 / Arts
For support of the Community Art Collaborative in an effort to bring arts programs to youth in underserved Baltimore City neighborhoods. The program encourages MICA’s community-minded artists and designers to provide critical services to Baltimore’s nonprofits and public schools serving undersourced communities.

Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation (MCA)

$5,000 / 2011 / Arts
Toward the promotion of the importance of the arts for the quality of life in the community. By expanding the base of support of grassroots advocates for the arts, MCA works to keep the arts on legislators’ agendas.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.