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/ Western High School .

$38,007 / 2008 / Education
To fund the purchase and installation of computers, monitors, and software for use in the University of Baltimore Game Design Course. The object of the initiative is to engage Western High School students in college-level studies in courses related to mathematics, technology, and graphic design. Successful participants will earn three college credits.

Baltimore City Public School System/ William H. Lemmel Middle School

$24,085 / 2008 / Education
For the purchase of hardware, teacher training material, and programming. The initiative will support the integration of a pilot technology program into the curriculum in an effort to affect increased attendance and achievement through exposure to technology instruction.

Baltimore Clayworks, Inc.

$20,000 / 2008 / Arts
Toward the renovation of the Gallery Building, 1883 Provincial House. The renovations will provide additional space for handicapped-accessible exhibitions, offices, workshops, visiting artist housing, and community meeting space.

Baltimore Community Foundation, Inc.

$100,000 / 2008 / Education
Five-year funding toward an endowment for the Gilbert Sandler Fund for Speech and Debate and Mock Trial at Baltimore City College. The endowment will help ensure the viability of the program, which teaches students research, persuasion, and public speaking, and affords them the opportunity to compete in local and national tournaments.

Baltimore Council of Foreign Affairs

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
Two grants for continued support of the Cable Television Outreach program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.