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

BCPSS/City Neighbors Charter School

$25,000 / 2007 / Education
For a feasibility study comparing two options designed to accommodate expansion to the middle school grades in Baltimore City. The study will weigh the value of renovating the third-floor of the facility rented from Epiphany Church, as well as acquiring property adjacent to the existing school building for new construction in anticipation of completing the expansion.

BCPSS/Roland Park Elementary/Middle School PTA

$5,000 / 2007 / Education
Toward costs of renovating space for the Roland Park Elementary/Middle school gymnasium, and to expand and improve spaces for the middle school physical education and recreational programs.

BCPSS/The Bluford Drew Jemison Math Science Academy

$64,800 / 2007 / Education
Toward support of the extended week and summer bridge program for a new charter school for middle-school boys in Baltimore City. The extended time will allow for academic and cultural enrichment, as well as athletic programming. Saturday workshops will be offered to students and family members, providing life skill mentoring, housing, counseling, instruction in financial literacy, health services, and introduction to technology.

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc.

$35,000 / 2007 / Community Development
For continued support of expenses for residential and commercial revitalization efforts, including expansion of the Foreclosure Prevention Initiative. To deter disinvestment, the program will work to create conditions to attract investment and new homeowners.

BELL Foundation (Building Educated Leaders for Life)

$50,000 / 2007 / Education
For support of the Summer Learning Initiative to enhance the academic and social achievement of 2,000 Baltimore City public elementary school students. The program offers six weeks of high-quality academic and social enrichment, eight hours a day, five days a week. Serving students from nine schools identified as needing improvement, the initiative has a goal of ensuring that 100 percent of the BELL participants advance out of the failing level, and at least 75 percent achieve proficiency levels in core academic skills.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.