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

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$150,000 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Regional Housing Equity Project in an effort to give African-American families the chance to move into racially integrated, safe neighborhoods with greater access to economic and educational opportunities. Nearly 2,000 inner-city families have moved through the housing mobility program.

YMCA of Central Maryland

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
For the purchase of Core Knowledge preschool home instruction workbooks for Head Start students at the All Saints site.

University of Maryland

$62,500 / 2011 / Education
Toward scholarships for the top achievers at the University’s A. James Clark School of Engineering to ensure that students continue their education. The additional support to the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute will help support faculty and staff as they educate the next generation of technology entrepreneurs, create successful technology ventures, and connect Maryland companies with university resources.

Ultimate Block Party, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward support of the Ultimate Block Party, a family day with learning activities for students in Baltimore City public schools. Inspired by supportive research, the organization is committed to raising awareness of the importance of play and play-based activities in children’s development and education.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$250,000 / 2011 / Education
For expenses related to the cost of recruiting, selecting, training, and ongoing support for 165 new Teach For America (TFA) corps members, including funding to retain 160 second-year cohort members. The program will develop four TFA alumni for leadership positions as lead faculty, principals, or administrators in Baltimore City public schools for the 2011-2012 school year.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.