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

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.

BWI Community Development Foundation

$77,500 / 2011 / Workforce Development
For support of two commuter transportation projects: Work on Wheels provides daily shuttle service to BWI Airport for up to 60 Baltimore City residents; and the Sunrise Shuttle provides weekend transportation service to BWI Airport for 84 Baltimore City residents.

Calvert Educational Services

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

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.

Carver Vocational-Technical High School

$5,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward travel expenses for students who participated in the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Exchange Program in the summer of 2011.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.