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

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academy Foundation High School (NAF)

$60,000 / 2009 / Education
Planning grant for the establishment of an Academy of Engineering for the 2011-2012 school year. NAF will expand its career and technology program with an Academy of Engineering designed to prepare graduates for entrance into post-secondary engineering and technology curricula.

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academy Foundation High School (NAF)

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
Toward expenses in support of creating a preliminary design concept for renovations of the former Dunbar Middle School building to accommodate the NAF Preparatory School.

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academic League

$155,950 / 2009 / 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 School System/Baltimore Montessori Charter School

$30,000 / 2009 / Education
Toward final expenses of roof repairs necessary to bring the former Mildred Monroe Elementary School building up to code. The charter school is serving as Baltimore’s first public school to offer the Montessori curriculum.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$100,000 / 2009 / Education
For continued funding of Supporting Public Schools of Choice, an advocacy and technical assistance project designed to strengthen charter, new, innovation, and transformation schools in Baltimore City, with a focus on increasing the achievement of students in these schools. Along with the Coalition of Baltimore Charter Schools, the initiative advocates for a collective voice of Baltimore City’s charter and other new schools, greater local autonomy, a stronger state charter law, and positive outcomes for children attending these schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.