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

Johns Hopkins University/Center for Social Organization of Schools

$66,000 / 2010 / Education
For first-year support of a Baltimore Education Research Consortium (BERC) research study on the record of Baltimore City public school students’ rate of graduation from high school and college. The College On Track report will use data from the classes of 2003-2004 to analyze factors predictive of students’ applying, enrolling, and remaining in college.

Institute of Notre Dame (IND)

$23,870 / 2010 / Education
Toward support of the implementation of Project Lead the Way, a national curriculum that introduces 18 to 20 students a year to biomedical sciences. IND provides internships with two local hospitals.

The Ingenuity Project

$430,000 / 2010 / Education
For support of the 2010-2011 Ingenuity Project, an advanced math, science, and research curriculum for 510 Baltimore City public middle and high school students. The program provides opportunity for participants in national competition.

Incentive Mentoring Program (IMP)

$90,000 / 2010 / Education
For continued support of the IMP mentoring program for students at Dunbar High School and for the expansion of the program to the Academy for College and Career Exploration. Over the course of the seven-year mentoring program (from the end of freshman year in high school through graduation from college), this family-style mentoring approach provides services year-round to 30 students identified as failing to meet minimum requirements. With teams of volunteers from Johns Hopkins University and Medical School graduate programs, the program addresses academic basic human needs: transportation, day care, job-placement referrals, drug treatment, college application, and tutoring services. Mentors meet with students as needed, three to seven times a week.

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition, Inc.

$75,000 / 2010 / Education
For continued support of the L@TCH technology program in five Baltimore City public schools: Coppin Academy, Rosemont Elementary, Collington Elementary, Southwest Baltimore Charter, and Reach Academy. The two-year expansion of the pilot project provides home computers, printers, Internet connection, training, and support for 1,000 additional families. The goal of the project is to increase student attendance and academic progress through increased parental involvement.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.