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 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.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Maryland Institute College of Art

$21,684 / 2011 / Education
Two grants to cover senior-year tuition, room and board, and related fees for a Baraka School graduate for the 2011-2012 college year.

Living Classrooms Foundation

$240,000 / 2011 / Education
Three-year funding for support of the Physical Education Initiative for Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School to address severe gaps in the physical education program. In collaboration with Playworks, the Living Classrooms’ Physical Education Initiative will offer at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day with a structured before-school, recess, and after-school program. Along with the oversight of a physical education teacher, Playworks will provide training to school staff, install sports and playground equipment, and initiate intramural soccer and lacrosse programs. The goal is to increase student achievement by engaging the students in physical education.

Learning and Leadership in Families

$35,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward support of the Perfectly Punctual Campaign, a preschool through elementary school intervention to reduce chronic absenteeism and lateness in Head Start and Baltimore City public schools. The campaign will provide training, technical assistance, materials, and a structure around punctuality designed to improve school attendance.

KIPP Baltimore, Inc.

$75,000 / 2011 / Education
For support of the KIPP Ujima Village Sixth Grade Intervention/Teaching Fellow pilot program for the 2011-2012 school year. The Teaching Fellow will serve as a full-time co-teacher, with a caseload of 25 students in the sixth-grade math class. The co-teaching model, designed to provide remediation, will enable small-group pullout sessions; one-on-one teacher/student assistance; use of additional learning resources; and increased conferencing with special educators, mental health professionals, and parents.

Johns Hopkins University School of Education

$14,797 / 2011 / Education
For an evaluation of the 2011 SummerREADS book distribution program. The evaluation will determine the project’s effect on maintaining student achievement in reading over the summer.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.