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

South Baltimore Learning Center

$34,500 / 2010 / Education
For capital improvements to expand the center to accommodate the External Diploma Program, an adult literacy program that awards a high school diploma.

Rose Street Community Center

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
In support of the School Everyday Coach program at Tench Tilghman Elementary/Middle School. The goal is to increase daily attendance and reduce tardiness. Three coaches take responsibility for students’ attendance.

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
For the cost of a consultant to monitor City Schools’ compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and to develop an advocacy strategy.

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$124,000 / 2010 / Education
For support of the second phase of the School Continuity Project to increase educational outcomes for homeless Baltimore City public school students and for those awaiting foster-care placement. The goal is to collaborate with City Schools and create a plan for compliance to improve the educational outcomes of homeless and foster-care children. The center assists with planning, training school personnel, and monitoring the effectiveness of new school system practices for homeless children.

The Piney Woods Schoolﾠ

$88,670 / 2010 / Education
To provide scholarships for students from Baltimore City public schools to attend a college-preparatory boarding school for the 2010-2011 school year, and to fund the salary of a Retention Counselor. The counselor provides a range of services, including monitoring class attendance and participation, overseeing study hall and dormitory behavior, and acting as a liaison and advocate for students and their families.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.