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

Baltimore City Public School System/ Southwest Baltimore Charter School

$40,000 / 2006 / Education
For staffing costs of an executive director to focus on administration, including board recruitment, parent/student recruitment, data management, facilities management, community outreach, and interaction with the Baltimore City Public School System.

Baltimore City Public School System/ The Midtown Academy

$50,000 / 2006 / Education
Toward the development of an enhanced middle-school curriculum at The Midtown Academy, designed to prepare students for entrance into the area’s competitive high schools. The curriculum will include math, science, computer science, Spanish, leadership, and communication and life skills.

Baltimore Clayworks, Inc.

$5,000 / 2006 / Arts
Toward the cost of relocating the satellite ceramic arts studio from Mondawmin Mall to the Forest Park Senior Center. In the new studio, Clayworks artists will continue to offer affordable and accessible arts programs, including after-school and summer programs, to adults and students.

Baltimore Development Corporation

$25,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of administrative expenses for Maglev- Maryland, a program to develop a magnetic levitation high-speed train between Baltimore and Washington. When fully operational, the train could reduce the travel time between the two cities to less than 20 minutes.

Baltimore Efficiency & Economy Foundation, Inc.

$9,800 / 2006 / Education
Two grants for expenses related to a Pilot Food Education Study for Baltimore City public schools. The purpose of the study is to determine the link between nutrition and academic performance by exploring national nutrition initiatives and, based on the relationship, make recommendations to the Baltimore City Public School System for relevant changes in the delivery of food services.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.