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 Kids Chess League, Inc.

$45,000 / 2007 / Education
For support and expansion of the Chess Education Project, an after-school program for 70 Baltimore City public elementary and middle schools. The project will also encourage chess players to attend competitive regional and national tournaments, as well as a week-long USA Chess Camp during the summer of 2008.

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academic League

$109,740 / 2007 / Education
For support of the 2007-2008 National Academic League in 22 Baltimore City public middle schools. The league, engaging more than 550 students, provides extracurricular interscholastic programming in an atmosphere of competition traditionally associated with athletic events. The purpose of the program is to increase students’ awareness of local, national, and international current events, and strengthen background knowledge in all disciplines, particularly mathematics.

Baltimore City College Alumni Association

$5,000 / 2007 / Education
Toward support of the 2007-2008 Speech and Debate Program.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$35,000 / 2007 / Education
For continued funding of the Supporting Public Schools of Choice initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to provide support for Baltimore City’s charter schools striving to meet their goals. Through the creation of an active network of charter school leaders and principals, the project will foster effective governance for charter schools, help develop funding sources, strengthen instructional delivery for special education students, and put in place long-range facilities management plans.

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance

$5,000 / 2007 / Education
For continued support of programs designed to integrate the arts into the curriculum of Maryland’s public schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.