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 (BCPSS)/Early Identification and Intervention Project

$395,500 / 2005 / Education
Three-year funding for planning and implementation of the BCPSS Early Identification and Intervention Project at Barclay Elementary/Middle School and Edgewood Elementary School. Thirty low-performing students who are in need of a core language/literacy development program will be identified. State-of-the-art practices will be integrated into an intervention program. The success of these efforts will be measured by the percentage of students who achieve grade-level performance at the end of the first grade, and the reduction in the number of students requiring special education for reading-related disabilities.

Baltimore City Public School System/Baltimore Freedom Academy

$20,880 / 2005 / Education
For costs of the installation of doors to create a physical separation of space between the Baltimore Freedom Academy and Lombard Middle School. The doors will help ensure the safety of students and decrease disruption between the schools.

Baltimore City Public School System

$100,000 / 2005 / Education
To provide stipends to math, science, and special education teachers affected by Hurricane Katrina. The incentives are designed to encourage relocation of teachers to Baltimore City.

Baltimore City College Alumni Association

$15,000 / 2005 / Education
Two grants in support of the 2005-2006 Speech and Debate Program at Baltimore City College High School.

The Baltimore Algebra Project

$5,000 / 2005 / Education
For expansion of the Algebra Project tutoring services to Lemmel Middle School. By establishing a group of tutors and a peer-to-peer training system for new tutors, the project is expected to improve student grades and encourage positive attitudes about mathematics.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.