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 Kids Chess League, Inc.

$26,170 / 2005 / Education
For expenses related to the 2005-2006 Baltimore City Public School System Chess Education Project, an after-school program serving elementary school students in 30 schools. The long-term strategy is designed to increase the number of after-school chess clubs, provide chess instruction to teachers and coaches, sponsor chess activities in the community, and sponsor Baltimore students at competitive regional and national tournaments.

Baltimore City Public School System/William S. Baer School

$10,000 / 2005 / Education
Toward the purchase of equipment for a state-of-the-art physical therapy facility. The school provides educational and therapeutic services to students with severe multiple disabilities.

Baltimore City Public School System/Western High School

$5,000 / 2005 / Education
Toward the purchase of basic supplies for the art, drama, dance, and music programs.

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academic League

$155,450 / 2005 / Education
For support of the 2005-2006 National Academic League in 30 Baltimore City public middle schools. The league provides extracurricular interscholastic programming in an atmosphere of competition traditionally associated with athletic events.

Baltimore City Public School System/The Midtown Academy

$25,000 / 2005 / Education
Toward the support of facility-related expenses for the 2005-2006 school year. The Midtown Academy is a K-8 “new school” formed by a coalition of parents and teachers in the Reservoir Hill and Bolton Hill neighborhoods. In addition to its basic curriculum, the school offers art, music, Spanish, and physical education.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.