Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Stocks in the Future Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward the expansion of Stocks in the Future from 11 classrooms to 21 middle-grade classrooms in Baltimore City public schools. Participating at-risk students, selected by principals, take a weekly financial management class for three years exploring investment options, as well as how to open a business and “take the company public.” They will also be given the opportunity to purchase and track publicly traded stock. Upon graduation, stock ownership will be legally transferred to the students.

St. Frances Academy

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward support of the 2011 Summer Peace Camp at St. Frances Academy Community Center for 60 inner-city children.

Sisters Academy of Baltimore

$11,150 / 2011 / Education
Toward the purchase of 10 laptops, software, and a Web-based student and graduation information system. These purchases will enable teachers to use the laptops as teaching tools and to track grades, report cards, attendance, and other data.

Ready at Five

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
For the cost of a consultant to prepare a Maryland Early Learning Challenge grant proposal, designed to help early childhood infrastructure in Maryland overcome school-readiness gaps.

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$80,000 / 2011 / Education
For continued support of the Educational Stability Project designed to increase outcomes for Baltimore City public school students suffering disruption due to homelessness, and for those awaiting foster care placements. In collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools, the project includes hiring a director of homeless services; appointing a primary homeless services contact in each school to be trained to work with homeless students; monitoring test scores, attendance, graduation rates, and mobility; and evaluating compliance and student outcomes.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.