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

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.

Baltimore County Agricultural Resource Center

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
For the rental of a diesel tractor to be used for the establishment of the Great Kids Farm Project run by Baltimore City public schools. The farm equipment will help transform the abandoned 33-acre former Bragg Nature Center into a functioning organic farm for an educational and vocational training setting linked to the Baltimore City Public School System’s Farm to Cafeteria initiative.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.