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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Our Past Grants

The Community School, Inc.

$10,670 / 2010 / Education
For support of the College Support and Dual Enrollment Initiative serving students and graduates of The Community School. The program provides ongoing support for students to graduate from high school or pass their GEDs, and enter and remain in college.

CollegeBound Foundation, Inc.

$105,000 / 2010 / Education
For fifth-year support of the College Retention Project for 300 Last Dollar Grant recipients at participating colleges. The goal of the project is to increase college graduation rates among low-income and first-generation college students from Baltimore City public schools. The program includes one-on-one and group on-campus counseling sessions; parent/student seasonal workshops; emergency hot lines; and identification of learning assistance centers, labs, tutorials, and remedial services.

Baltimore Talent Education Center

$25,000 / 2010 / Education
Funding to expand a string music program for Baltimore City pre-K to high school students in five locations. These programs serve as feeders to the TWIGS program at the Baltimore School for the Arts, Tuned-In Program at the Peabody Institute, and Sinfonia and Sinfonietta at the Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestra.

Baltimore Reads, Inc.

$100,000 / 2010 / Education
Toward operating costs of Baltimore Reads, in support of a self-sustaining Book Bank Book Exchange. By expanding the sale of used books online, Baltimore Reads expects higher revenues that, in turn, are expected to help cover operating costs and provide wider distribution of more than 100,000 books to Baltimore school children.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$63,670 / 2010 / Education
For support and expansion of the 2010-2011 BCPS Chess Education Project, an after-school program operating in 60 Baltimore City elementary, middle, and high schools. The long-term goal is to increase the number of after-school chess clubs by serving as a resource for chess education, teacher training, and activities to bring together students and community advisors, and encourage participation in regional competitions.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.