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

Carnegie Institution for Science

$15,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward continued support of the BioEYES science education program in Baltimore City public schools. The week-long, hands-on biology unit provides a student-centered approach to science instruction to more than 3,200 students. The intent of the program is to encourage students to demonstrate enthusiasm for science, and improve the science experience in under-resourced Baltimore City schools.

Calvert Educational Services

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
For the implementation of the Verticy Learning Program, a phonics and spelling curriculum at Abbottson Elementary School.

Boys Hope Girls Hope

$66,495 / 2011 / Education
For tuition, fees, and living expenses for eight boys graduating from Boys Hope and enrolled in four-year colleges. It is expected that all promising Boys Hope scholars will maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and finish college. Boys Hope Girls Hope is an educationally focused residential program offering college preparatory education for at-risk, yet academically capable, students.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$63,670 / 2011 / Education
For support of the 2011-2012 BCPS Chess Education Project, an after-school program in 60 Baltimore City elementary, middle, and high schools. The long-term strategies are designed to increase the number of after-school chess clubs, provide more effective teacher training for competitive chess, arrange organized chess activities to bring children and community members together, and sponsor more Baltimore students in regional and national tournaments.

Baltimore City Public Schools – SummerREADS

$95,630 / 2011 / Education
For support of the 2011 SummerREADS book distribution program and its evaluation of second- and third-grade students in nine high-poverty, low-performing Baltimore City public schools. The first of the three-year summer reading and home library program has been designed to prevent literacy loss over the summer months. With the support of teachers and family members, participating students will be given 12 books to encourage voluntary summer reading.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.