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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Incentive Mentoring Program

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
For support of the Incentive Mentoring Program at Dunbar High School, including community service activities, a summer camp, and SAT tutoring.

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

$45,000 / 2008 / Education
Two grants for expansion of the Experience Corps tutoring and mentoring programs in Baltimore City public elementary schools identified as “low performing.” Currently, 325 Senior Corps members, paired with classroom teachers, work in 19 Baltimore City elementary schools, providing one-on-one remediation, assistance with classroom logistics, and classroom- management support 15 hours per week.

Food Studies Institute

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
For a study on sustainability and issues related to replication and expansion of the “Food Is Elementary” curriculum. The hands-on model introduces and creates awareness about nutritious meals for Baltimore City public school students.

DonorsChoose, Inc .

$50,000 / 2008 / Education
For support of a national nonprofit donation website that provides the opportunity for Baltimore City and other public school teachers to post proposals online for needed teaching resources, materials, and equipment. Potential donors then browse the teacher postings and are able to fund requests online in full or in part.

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

$50,000 / 2008 / Education
To provide funding in support of scholarships for placement of up to eight incoming ninth-grade students in Baltimore City foster group homes. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School functions in a small-school setting with about 110 students in each grade in partnership with corporations, and offers a rigorous curriculum, transportation, social service options for students and families, mentoring, and one-day-per-week paid internships.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.