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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

The Community Power Network

$35,000 / 2012 / Community Development
Toward efforts to develop two community solar projects in Baltimore City designed to demonstrate the potential of solar renewable sources accessible to city residents. These two solar installations will be constructed over a newly installed walk-in cooler at the Civic Works’ Real Food Farm and on a replacement roof of a Baltimore City Public School.

The Community School, Inc.

$12,000 / 2012 / Education

Toward support of the current GED cohort, and College Support and Dual Enrollment Initiative serving graduates of The Community School. The initiative provides ongoing academic and mentoring support, and limited employment for eight college students.

The Foundation Center

$1,500 / 2012 / Other
For 2012 general support.

The Ingenuity Project

$485,000 / 2012 / Education
For support of the 2012-2013 Ingenuity Project’s advanced math, science, and research program, which serves 517 Baltimore City Public Schools middle and high school students. The objective is to provide rigorous math and science instruction, as well as immersion in a research curriculum and practicum in order to launch the next generation of STEM leaders. Students are encouraged to participate in math and science competitions including Intel, Siemens, U.S. Biology Olympiads, and the Baltimore Science Fair.

The Justice Policy Institute

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of the 2012 Baltimore Neighborhood Re-entry Fair, which provides expungement services and other information to individuals who may not be familiar with the appropriate legal processes.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.