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

Fund for Educational Excellence

$25,000 / 2009 / Education
For the development of the Urban Teacher Center (UTC), the mission of which is to prepare teachers for the country’s neediest urban schools. The center recruits candidates, equips them with state-of-the-art training, and links certification to the performance of their students. UTC fellows must make a four-year commitment: one year of residency, followed by three years as a full-time teacher in a high-needs urban school.

The Community School, Inc.

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
For continued support of an alternative school with emphasis on academics and mentoring, serving youth and adults in the Remington and Hampden communities. In addition to a full-time individualized ten-hour day program for high school students, The Community School is offering a college support program and part-time employment for students who have enrolled in college.

CollegeBound Foundation

$49,400 / 2009 / Education
For fourth-year support of the College Retention Project for Last Dollar Grant scholarship recipients at nine participating colleges with the goal of increasing college graduation rates. The grant provides for the hiring of two advisors who will have the responsibility of linking students with appropriate campus-based services, such as peer advising, faculty mentoring, academic tutoring, and lifestyle and financial counseling.

Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
To provide tutoring, a meal plan, and related expenses for a former Baraka School student for the 2008-2009 school year.

Baltimore Reads, Inc.

$21,680 / 2009 / Education
Toward the creation of a business plan for financial stability of the Baltimore Reads Book Bank, which provides donated books to city schools and community programs. The plan will explore a social entrepreneurship model to create a Book Exchange as a revenue stream.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.