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

Johns Hopkins University – Center for Social Organization of Schools

$114,948 / 2011 / Education
For support of the Baltimore Education Research Consortium (BERC) core research program, and for continued work on College Access for Baltimore City students. Research includes analysis of college retention rates for graduates of city schools, and an evaluation of the CollegeBound College Retention Program. Forthcoming research topics will include: Understanding Under-Credited Students and Credit Recovery, Teacher Pipeline and Pathways, Best Practices for City School Attendance, Access to Higher Education, and Boys Thriving in Baltimore Schools.

Johns Hopkins University

$197,604 / 2011 / Education
Two grants in support of a study, “Connecting Housing and Education Policy: Examining Educational Outcomes for the Children of the Baltimore Mobility Program.” The purpose of the study is to determine how residential relocation through the mobility program can affect access to school quality for Baltimore City children in the Thompson housing assistance program, as compared to achievement levels of those children who have not yet moved.

Institute of Notre Dame

$500,000 / 2011 / Education
To provide up to 15 need-based, full four-year scholarships for a ninth-grade student cohort beginning in fall 2012 and available through graduation in June 2016. The goal is to maintain a 100 percent high school graduation rate and a 98 percent college enrollment rate.

The Ingenuity Project

$455,800 / 2011 / Education
For support of the 2011-2012 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math, science, and research curriculum for 510 Baltimore City public middle and high school students. The objective is to increase academic achievement levels by offering superior math and science instruction. Participating students are encouraged to enter national science competitions, undertake a formal research paper, and apply for an internship.

Incentive Mentoring Program (IMP)

$300,000 / 2011 / Education
For continued support of the IMP mentoring program for 80 struggling students at Dunbar High School, the Academy for College and Career Exploration, and Dunbar Middle School. With teams of volunteers from Johns Hopkins University and Medical School graduate programs, the year-round program matches the cohorts of lowest-performing students with a family of mentors to remove obstacles that stand in the way of students being successful. These services include after-school tutoring, basic human needs, transportation, day care, job-placement referral, drug treatment, and college application assistance. As needed, mentors will meet with students three to seven times a week.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.