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

The GreenMount School

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
Toward the installation of portable classrooms to accommodate a kindergarten program.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$95,000 / 2010 / Education
For support of the Experience Corps Upper Grades Pilot Project, designed to serve fourth- and fifth-grade students in high-needs Baltimore City public schools. The project awards grants to five schools in support of strategies designed to increase academic achievement.

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2010 / Education
Toward the support of the 2011 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp. The four-week summer camp offers 45 academically promising Baltimore City public school students entering third, fourth, and fifth grades the opportunity to participate in Gilman School’s learning enrichment program. It provides individualized and group classes in language arts, geography, science, mathematics, and a foreign language, as well as cultural field trips and recreational activities. The goal is to reduce the loss of academic skills often experienced by at-risk students during summer break.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$42,500 / 2010 / Education
For general operating support and to implement a strategic mission designed to respond to particular needs of the school system: district fundraising, research, design development, implementation plans; project management for selected innovation; and exploration of policies and best practices.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$261,420 / 2010 / Education
Two-year funding for support of School Everyday!, an initiative to address chronic absenteeism in Baltimore City public schools. This program builds partnerships with community groups and churches, and identifies students and families most in need of attendance support.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.