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

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/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 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 Clayworks, Inc.

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
Planning grant for the expansion of a satellite location at the Newborn Ministries Jubilee Arts Center in Sandtown-Winchester. This initiative will connect artists with communities that would otherwise have limited or no access to an art center.

Baltimore Community Foundation

$5,000 / 2009 / Arts
Seed funding for support of a conservation and maintenance assessment program and restoration plan for 50 pieces of outdoor sculptures at 45 Baltimore City public schools. This initial grant will provide the necessary information to develop a plan for preserving 10 pieces of artwork a year, over a five-year period.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.