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

Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS)/ Academy for College and Career Exploration

$50,000 / 2008 / Education
To launch a Saturday Academy, an intensive weekly six-hour academic intervention during the school year to support struggling seniors. The goal of the effort is to realize a graduation rate of 90 percent of 12th graders for 2009, the first class that must pass the Maryland High School Assessments in order to graduate.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
For support of the Educational Funders Affinity Group. In this forum, grantmakers interested in educational issues and initiatives learn about school reform efforts, collaborative funding opportunities, and availability of educational resources and materials. In addition, three cities, including Baltimore, exchanged information of best practices, and learned about philanthropic endeavors in public education.

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
For continued support of programs designed to integrate the arts into the curriculum of Maryland’s public schools.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$34,200 / 2008 / Education
For a study of the costs of financing public school renovation and new construction projects in Baltimore City. The study will identify innovative strategies to develop new revenue sources and address the issue of deteriorating school buildings.

ACLU Foundation of Maryland, Inc.

$75,000 / 2008 / Education
For continued support of the Baltimore City Education Reform Project. The purpose of the project is to represent the interests of disadvantaged students in Baltimore City, by ensuring increased operating and capital funding, and continued academic reform. ACLU will monitor the Baltimore City Public School Systems’ budget allocations to assess whether increased expenditures are translating into academic improvements.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.