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

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.

New Leaders-Baltimore

$100,000 / 2012 / Education
For continued support of the New Leaders-Baltimore program, with a goal of recruiting 12 school principals for leadership roles in Baltimore City Public Schools for the 2012-2013 school year. The new cohorts participate in a four-week summer institute, followed by a year-long residency working under an experienced principal. The following year, they are placed in schools with on-the-job networking and support for two years. New Leaders will also launch a one-year Emerging Leaders training program.

National Council on Teacher Quality

$15,700 / 2012 / Education

For support of the annual Teacher Prep Review, which will be published in U.S. News and World Report. The review will cover 800 teacher education programs in the U.S., including analyses and ratings for 20 schools in Maryland. The objective of the review is to create a communications strategy that demonstrates ratings are credible, fair, and accurate, and can provide useful information to advocacy groups working for change in state legislatures and school boards.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.