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

Baltimore City Public Schools – Roland Park Elementary/Middle School

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
Toward curriculum development and construction costs of the writing laboratory for The Write Place, a program at Roland Park Elementary/Middle School serving 900 Baltimore City public school students.

Baltimore City Public Schools – Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
For the purchase of equipment required by the Dunbar Robotics Team. The team of 16 to 20 members is committed to spend three to four hours per week in the classroom as well as in after-school clubs, and to participate in local and regional weekend competitions.

Baltimore City Public Schools – National Academic League (NAL)

$167,000 / 2010 / Education
For support of the 2009-2010 National Academic League (NAL) in 26 Baltimore City public middle grades schools. The NAL games are designed to function as an athletic event, with team practices after school two to three times a week under the guidance of teacher mentors (coaches). Interscholastic competitions are held every two weeks. Teams that place first and second go on to compete in the national tournament through video conferencing. The goal is to strengthen student knowledge in all disciplines, particularly mathematics.

Baltimore City Public Schools – East Baltimore Community School

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
For summer planning and academic programming for students in grades five through eight. The purpose of the initiative is to evaluate the academic programming, to build on its existing strengths, and to develop data-driven best practices.

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
For continued support and expansion of programs to integrate arts into the curriculum of Maryland’s public schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.