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

CollegeBound Foundation, Inc.

$173,966 / 2006 / Education
Two-year funding for support of the College Retention Project for Last Dollar Grant program recipients at nine participating Maryland colleges. Working with key individuals on each campus, the advisor will provide one-on-one support for students, including course selection, learning assistance, and financial aid. The goal is to increase the graduation rate of the Last Dollar Grant recipients.

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.

Community Law Center, Inc.

$50,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year support of the Project to End Predatory and Deceptive Real Estate Practices in Baltimore City. This grant will fund an investigatory report examining transactions behind the illegal “We Buy Houses” signs to determine the legality of settlement schemes and practices of the participating appraisers, title companies, attorneys, mortgage brokers, and lenders.

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.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$5,000 / 2006 / Arts
For continued support of Baltimore Art Exposure, a program created to improve the appearance of empty store fronts and other public places by offering showings of artwork by local artists. The changing installations are designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing streetscape, and to offer artists the opportunity to participate in community revitalization.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.