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

American Civil Liberties Foundation of Maryland, Inc. (ACLU)

$150,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Regional Housing Equity Project. ACLU will focus on developing a regional housing remedy to enable thousands of public housing residents to live in high-opportunity areas.

Agape Family Empowerment Center

$5,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward expenses related to the Park Heights Saints football and cheerleading program for 165 youth in the Park Heights community.

Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY)

$30,000 / 2009 / Health and Human Services
Toward continued support of programming designed to improve the outcomes of Baltimore City children in the child welfare system. ACY will monitor the implementation of the new family-centered case practice model and assess the level of in-home supportive services for families.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$135,000 / 2009 / Education
Two grants for the continuation and expansion of an initiative to double the number of recent college graduates recruited and trained to 160, and to provide ongoing support for the 80 returning Teach For America corps members in Baltimore City public schools.

The Piney Woods School

$79,250 / 2009 / Education
To provide scholarships for nine male students from Baltimore City to attend a college preparatory boarding school for the 2009-2010school year, and for the salary of a retention counselor. The counselor provides a range of services: 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.