Abell Foundation Announces Search for New President and CEO

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 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

Fund for Educational Excellence

$261,420 / 2010 / Education
Two-year funding for support of School Everyday!, an initiative to address chronic absenteeism in Baltimore City public schools. This program builds partnerships with community groups and churches, and identifies students and families most in need of attendance support.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.