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

Art on Purpose

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
Toward support of the Art Leadership program for students at Civitas School, Baltimore Freedom Academy, and Afya Public Charter School. The program identifies and prepares students to be candidates for summer jobs in the arts. Working with 30 high school and 100 middle school students, Art on Purpose teaches participants art skills transferable to the workplace.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$50,000 / 2010 / Education
For continued support of the Baltimore City Education Reform Project, designed to ensure that schools serving disadvantaged students receive equal funding and resources. This strategy includes education, community organizing, advocacy efforts, and lawsuits.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$7,500 / 2009 / Other
For 2009 membership dues.

Museum of Ceramic Art

$34,000 / 2009 / Arts
For support of the 2009-2010 in-school and after-school ceramic art programs in 46 Baltimore City public middle schools. Aligned with the Maryland State Content Standards and integrated with core subjects, the program reinforces students’ reading, writing, and creative skills. The nine-month program provides each teacher with wheels, kilns, supplies, a stipend, coaching, professional training workshops, and monthly networking. While student works of art are temporarily exhibited in public venues such as the Baltimore Visitor Center at the Inner Harbor, arrangements are also made for participating schools to create ceramic murals for permanent installations in various locations in Baltimore City.

Maryland Historical Society

$7,500 / 2009 / Arts
Toward research, editorial, design, and printing costs of Joseph. L. Sterne’s book, Combat Correspondents: The Baltimore Sun in World War II.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.