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

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.

BCPSS/Academy for College and Career Exploration

$5,000 / 2007 / Education
Toward the purchase of equipment for a state-of-the-art computer lab.

The Baraka School, Inc.

$23,843 / 2007 / Education
For expenses associated with maintaining the school campus in Kenya, East Africa, until the property is sold. The Baraka School, now closed, was a boarding school serving underachieving Baltimore City middle-school boys.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.