Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

New Leaders for New Schoolsﾠ

$150,000 / 2010 / Education
For continued support of the New Leaders-Baltimore program designed to recruit and develop outstanding school principals for Baltimore City public schools. After five weeks of coursework at the Summer Foundations Institute, and a one-year full-time residency working as an assistant principal alongside a mentoring principal, the New Leader is placed as a principal in a Baltimore City public school. Throughout the first year, the New Leader receives professional development, coaching, and support. Each New Leader is expected to make a six-year contractual commitment to serve in Baltimore City public schools.

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

$38,000 / 2010 / Education
For membership to the National Student Clearinghouse. The objective of the clearinghouse is to procure student data and create a longitudinal data system on college enrollment, performance, retention, and graduation rates for every Maryland high school graduate. The data will be made available to all school systems in Maryland, and the current status of college enrollment and outcomes will be posted on MSDE’s website.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

$19,210 / 2010 / Education
“Last Dollar” support toward tuition and related fees in support of a Baltimore City public school graduate enrolled in MICA’s 2010-2011 school year.

KIPP Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2010 / Education
Toward operating support of the KIPP Harmony Academy, an elementary school enrolling 250 kindergarten and first-grade students. KIPP programming calls for high standards of academic achievement and conduct, along with a commitment to a longer school day, including Saturdays and summer school sessions.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.