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

Maryland Public Policy Institute, Inc.

$13,000 / 2006 / Education
For a study on Maryland’s teacher pension program. The study will examine the current pension plan and the effectiveness of similar policies in other states, quantify the extent of the financial liability of the defined benefit pension, and recommend alternatives.

Learning, Inc.

$50,000 / 2006 / Education
For continued support of The Learning Cooperative, a dropout recovery/prevention program for at-risk middle school students in Baltimore City public schools. The cooperative provides an experiential education curriculum designed to prepare students for successful transition to high school, GED programming, or employment, by offering training in team-building, conflict-resolution, job readiness, community service, and life skills.

Johns Hopkins University/Center for Social Organization of Schools

$75,000 / 2006 / Education
Toward the establishment of the Baltimore Education Research Consortium (BERC). A collaborative effort of four partner organizations, BERC will annually produce data on core issues critical for the development of school system policies. The consortium will have the capacity to produce rapid response summary analyses to help both the school district and the school reform committee react appropriately to challenges as they occur.

The Ingenuity Project

$400,000 / 2006 / Education
For support of the 2006-2007 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for Baltimore City public elementary, middle, and high school students. Its purpose is to identify and develop nationally competitive math, science, and engineering students as measured by their GPAs, SAT scores, selective college acceptances, and college scholarships earned.

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2006 / Education
For support of the 2006 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp. The four-week summer camp offers 45 academically promising Baltimore City public school students entering 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades the opportunity to participate in the Gilman School learning environment. It provides individualized classes in language arts, geography, science, mathematics, and a foreign language, as well as cultural and recreational activities.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.