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

The Community School, Inc.

$15,000 / 2007 / Education
For general support of an alternative school setting for an academic and mentoring program serving students in the Remington community. The grant will provide programming designed to increase enrollment of disadvantaged students and prepare them for graduation and enrollment in college. The school also plans to launch an External Diploma Program designed for adults without a high school diploma by offering the opportunity to meet the requirements for a Maryland State high school diploma.

Chester Bridge Foundation, Inc.

$50,000 / 2007 / Education
For start-up costs of the Chesapeake Marine Trades School, Atlantic Maritime School, and the Anchor Academy, a Baltimore City Public School System charter high school. These programs are part of an overall strategy to provide a seamless workforce training system ensuring well-paying employment for graduating high school students within the commercial maritime industries.

Building STEPS, Inc.

$30,000 / 2007 / Education
For expansion of a science and technology college access program for an additional 20 underserved students in two to three Baltimore City public schools. Beginning in 11th grade, the program is designed to recruit students who have an interest in science, technology, and math, and who have average grades. During the course of the year, the students will be exposed to science and technology-based professionals through monthly off-campus seminar series. The seminars will be followed by placements in summer internships with companies focusing on science and technology. Throughout the 12th grade, STEPS will assist in the college application process and free SAT tutoring. After the students matriculate in college, the STEPS staff will maintain contact with them and encourage graduation, to ensure employment in promising science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

$18,860 / 2007 / Education
Two grants to support tutoring, a meal plan, and a scholarship for a former Baraka School student.

BELL Foundation (Building Educated Leaders for Life)

$50,000 / 2007 / Education
For support of the Summer Learning Initiative to enhance the academic and social achievement of 2,000 Baltimore City public elementary school students. The program offers six weeks of high-quality academic and social enrichment, eight hours a day, five days a week. Serving students from nine schools identified as needing improvement, the initiative has a goal of ensuring that 100 percent of the BELL participants advance out of the failing level, and at least 75 percent achieve proficiency levels in core academic skills.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.