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

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$63,670 / 2010 / Education
For support and expansion of the 2010-2011 BCPS Chess Education Project, an after-school program operating in 60 Baltimore City elementary, middle, and high schools. The long-term goal is to increase the number of after-school chess clubs by serving as a resource for chess education, teacher training, and activities to bring together students and community advisors, and encourage participation in regional competitions.

Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc.

$5,000 / 2010 / Health and Human Services
In support of a strategic planning session on housing development for the mentally ill of Baltimore City.

Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative

$50,000 / 2010 / Community Development
For continued support of the Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation Services initiative designed to increase the capacity of community development organizations in targeted neighborhoods. Support includes pre- and post-purchase counseling and legal assistance.

Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

$5,000 / 2010 / Arts
Toward support of the 15th annual three-day Baltimore Book Festival. The funding allows the festival to increase its hours of operation as well as expand its space to accommodate 25 new exhibitors, along with more than 200 authors, booksellers, and publishers.

Baltimore Reads, Inc.

$100,000 / 2010 / Education
Toward operating costs of Baltimore Reads, in support of a self-sustaining Book Bank Book Exchange. By expanding the sale of used books online, Baltimore Reads expects higher revenues that, in turn, are expected to help cover operating costs and provide wider distribution of more than 100,000 books to Baltimore school children.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.