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

Fund for Educational Excellence

$5,000 / 2006 / Education
For an evaluation of academic outcomes of the Catholic Schools Project for the 2003-2004 school year.

Educational Opportunity Program

$173,977 / 2006 / Education
For staffing and related expenses to provide a facilitator at each of the two new Southwestern High Schools. The counselors will act as role models, linking students and their families to the school, providing enrichment, tutoring, academics, and social support. The purpose of the program is to increase the high school graduation rate of Baraka School graduates by keeping Educational Opportunity Program students engaged in school activities.

Core Knowledge Foundation

$133,770 / 2006 / Education
For support of the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence in four Baltimore City Head Start Centers for the 2006-2007 school year. The initiative will provide training and leadership development for teachers, and educational resources and supplies for students. Programming includes the teaching of English as a Second Language and the development of a three-year external evaluation.

The Community School, Inc.

$10,000 / 2006 / Education
To expand the academic and mentoring program of an alternative school in the Remington neighborhood. The funds will provide programming designed to increase enrollment of disadvantaged students and prepare them to complete high school and enter college.

CollegeBound Foundation, Inc.

$16,575 / 2006 / Education
For tracking of college outcomes for students who have graduated from Baltimore City public schools. By contracting with the National Student Clearinghouse, the Baltimore City Public School System and the CollegeBound Foundation will be able to track the status and graduation rates of its students in order to assess the effectiveness of the CollegeBound Foundation’s college placement and tuition assistance services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.