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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

CollegeBound Foundation, Inc.

$49,400 / 2008 / Education
For third-year support of the College Retention Project for Last Dollar grant recipients at nine participating Maryland colleges. Two advisors working with individuals are responsible for student retention on each campus, and serve 180 students. They offer one-on-one support with course selection, academic advising, financial aid, communication, tutorials, and remedial services. Other enhancements include training of junior/senior mentors to serve as resources for underclassmen. Summer jobs are provided for students completing their junior year.

CollegeBound Foundation, Inc .

$110,000 / 2008 / Education
Two-year funding to create a College Access Associate position to support the Baltimore City Public School System College Readiness/College Access Initiative, designed to increase the number of Baltimore City public school students enrolling and completing post-secondary education. This position will reinforce Baltimore City’s efforts to increase the scope of college- access advising services, assist in increasing the number of students taking college entrance examinations, and prepare a gap analysis of college-access providers and scholarships.

Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

$5,000 / 2008 / Education
Toward expenses related to enrollment of a former Baraka School student for the 2008-2009 school year.

Boys Hope Girls Hope

$50,000 / 2008 / Education
Capital funding toward the purchase of land, construction costs, furnishings, and related expenses for the Girls Hope Home project.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc .

$42,300 / 2008 / Education
For continued support of the 2008-2009 Chess Education Project, an after-school program in 50 Baltimore City public elementary, middle, and high schools. The project provides students the opportunity to receive coaching; engage in intermural, regional, and national competitions; and attend weeklong USA Chess Camp during the summer. The “First Move” chess curriculum is being offered in second-grade classrooms in three elementary schools as a pilot project.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.