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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

Stocks in the Future Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 / 2011 / Education
Toward the expansion of Stocks in the Future from 11 classrooms to 21 middle-grade classrooms in Baltimore City public schools. Participating at-risk students, selected by principals, take a weekly financial management class for three years exploring investment options, as well as how to open a business and “take the company public.” They will also be given the opportunity to purchase and track publicly traded stock. Upon graduation, stock ownership will be legally transferred to the students.

TAEL Enterprise, Inc.

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Emergency funding for the purchase of bedroom furnishings and exterminator expenses for a homeless shelter serving adult women.

Take Back The City, Inc.

$23,960 / 2011 / Health and Human Services
For support of the Winning Teams Mentoring Program, serving middle and high school students in Baltimore City public schools. By matching up to 60 middle and high school students with up to 12 college students trained by the Maryland Mentoring Partnership, the mentors provide mentees with ongoing support and encouragement, leading to graduation from high school and admission into college.

Talitha Cumi Safe Haven

$5,000 / 2011 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the purchase and installation of new carpeting for a facility providing outreach services for female ex-offenders in recovery.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$250,000 / 2011 / Education
For expenses related to the cost of recruiting, selecting, training, and ongoing support for 165 new Teach For America (TFA) corps members, including funding to retain 160 second-year cohort members. The program will develop four TFA alumni for leadership positions as lead faculty, principals, or administrators in Baltimore City public schools for the 2011-2012 school year.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.