Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

Open Society Institute – Baltimore

$100,000 / 2006 / Education
Toward support of an initiative to improve student behavior and reduce suspensions and expulsions in Baltimore City public schools. Open Society will identify and bring best practices and new approaches to student behavior, and advocate for the adoption of successful strategies.

The New Teacher Project

$53,500 / 2006 / Education
For support of the Math Immersion Program, to increase the number of math teachers in Baltimore City public high schools. The program will recruit a minimum of 20 non-math major candidates who demonstrate significant mathematical proficiency, and assist them in meeting state licensing requirements.

New Leaders for New Schools

$110,000 / 2006 / Education
For continued support of the New Leaders-Baltimore program. The four-year program will recruit, train, and place in Baltimore City public schools a minimum of 40 principals over a three-year period. Each participant will attend a six-week Summer Foundations Institute, assume a year-long full-time residency with a mentor, and receive a placement and two years of professional development, coaching, and support.

National Center on Institutions and Alternatives

$15,000 / 2006 / Education
For the purchase of equipment and supplies for a new Warehousing Vocational Program serving students with severe mental disabilities at the NCIA Youth In Transition School. Youth In Transition will provide students whose needs cannot be met in a traditional public school setting with skills training, job opportunities, and internships for jobs in the warehouse/logistics field.

Maryland Public Policy Institute, Inc.

$13,000 / 2006 / Education
For a study on Maryland’s teacher pension program. The study will examine the current pension plan and the effectiveness of similar policies in other states, quantify the extent of the financial liability of the defined benefit pension, and recommend alternatives.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.