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

Macedonia Baptist Church

$5,000 / 2005 / Education
Second-year funding for the 2005 Summer Learning Center, a six-week program of math and reading instruction, field trips, and meals for 45 children ages five to 12 from the Sandtown-Winchester community. The program has been designed to prevent learning loss over the summer vacation.

Learning, Inc.

$50,000 / 2005 / Education
For continued support of The Learning Cooperative, a dropout recovery/prevention program for at-risk Baltimore City middle school students from families living with drug/alcohol problems, physical or emotional abuse, and poverty. The 30-hour-per-week program offers academic course work, job-skills training, and conflict-resolution workshops.

The Johns Hopkins University/Center for Social Organization of Schools

$5,000 / 2005 / Education
To update “New Teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools, 1999-2004,” with 2004-2005 data that provides an assessment of each newly hired teacher and will help determine retention rates and percentages of teachers becoming certified.

The Johns Hopkins University/Center for Social Organization of Schools

$9,830 / 2005 / Education
Second-year funding for an evaluation of the Educational Opportunity Program at the two new high schools located at the Southwestern High School Campus. This study will help to determine whether the program warrants expansion.

The Ingenuity Project

$400,000 / 2005 / Education
In support of the 2005-2006 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for 464 Baltimore City public elementary, middle, and high school students. Its purpose is to identify and develop nationally competitive math, science, and engineering students. In an effort to expand middle school enrollment, Ingenuity opened a program at Mt. Royal Elementary/Middle School in fall of 2005.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.