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 City Public School System/ The Midtown Academy

$50,000 / 2006 / Education
Toward the development of an enhanced middle-school curriculum at The Midtown Academy, designed to prepare students for entrance into the area’s competitive high schools. The curriculum will include math, science, computer science, Spanish, leadership, and communication and life skills.

Baltimore City College Alumni Association

$5,000 / 2006 / Education
For support of the 2006-2007 Speech and Debate Program at Baltimore City College.

Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound, Inc.

$25,000 / 2006 / Education
Toward construction costs of a new Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Center at the Leakin Park Campus. The expanded center will enhance the staging area for programs and provide needed space for facilities for staff, students, and the community.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$35,000 / 2006 / Education
For support of the Charter Schools Technical Assistance Project. The purpose of the project is to coordinate and deliver advocacy and technical assistance to help ensure the success of the Baltimore City charter schools. Through the creation of an active network of charter school leaders, the project will foster effective governance for charter schools, develop funding sources, strengthen instructional delivery systems for special education students, and put in place long-range facilities management plans.

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Maryland

$50,000 / 2006 / Education
For continued support of the Baltimore City Education Reform Project. The purpose of the project is to represent the interests of disadvantaged students, particularly in Baltimore City, by ensuring increased operating and capital funding, and continued management reform. ACLU will monitor the Baltimore City Public School Systems’ budget allocations to assess whether expenditures are translating into academic improvements.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.