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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

The Community School, Inc.

$15,000 / 2007 / Education
For general support of an alternative school setting for an academic and mentoring program serving students in the Remington community. The grant will provide programming designed to increase enrollment of disadvantaged students and prepare them for graduation and enrollment in college. The school also plans to launch an External Diploma Program designed for adults without a high school diploma by offering the opportunity to meet the requirements for a Maryland State high school diploma.

The Ingenuity Project

$390,000 / 2007 / Education
For support of the 2007-2008 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math, science, and research curriculum for BCPSS elementary, middle, and high school students. Launched in 1994 as a gifted and talented program, Ingenuity Project attracts students who receive superior math and science instruction and maintain high levels of student achievement, leading to acceptances into and substantial scholarships from highly selective colleges and universities.

The Jacob France Institute

$19,300 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For support of a strategic planning project for funders investing in workforce development projects. The purpose of the project is to review private foundation workforce development investments and outcomes to help prioritize funding needs, inform any future investments, and identify joint funding opportunities.

The Maryland Mentoring Partnership

$5,000 / 2007 / Education
Toward expenses of an executive search, and for support in the transition to a new executive director and his or her administration.

The Men’s Center, Inc.

$5,000 / 2007 / Workforce Development
For the purchase of a vehicle, insurance coverage, and related expenses for the Fresh Food Recovery Program. The vehicle is to be used to collect day-old food from farmers’ markets and redistribute the food to area soup kitchens and other community-based organizations serving approximately 2,000 people each week.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.