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

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance

$5,000 / 2009 / Education
For continued support and expansion of programs developed to integrate arts studies into the curriculum of Maryland’s public schools.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$7,500 / 2009 / Other
For 2009 membership dues.

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.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$5,000 / 2009 / Workforce Development
For continued support of a part-time staff position to facilitate the Workforce Development Affinity Group.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.