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 Urban Debate League

$20,000 / 2006 / Education
For the development and implementation of a full-scale in-house monitoring and evaluation system to track the league’s ability to influence student outcomes. The study will document student achievement in debate, GPAs, attendance, interest in academic pursuits, incidence of negative behaviors, number of college applications and admissions, literacy, and critical thinking skills during the 2006-2007 school year. Results will be published in summer 2007.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$38,376 / 2006 / Education
For expansion of the 2006-2007 Chess Education Project, an after-school program for elementary school students in 50 Baltimore City public schools. The long-term strategy is to increase the number of after-school chess clubs, provide chess instruction to teachers and coaches, sponsor chess activities in the community, and place Baltimore City students at competitive regional and national tournaments.

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.

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/ National Academic League

$146,150 / 2006 / Education
For support of the 2006-2007 National Academic League in 28 Baltimore City public middle schools. This league provides extracurricular interscholastic programming in an atmosphere of competition traditionally associated with athletic events. The purpose of the program is to increase students’ awareness of local, national, and international current events, and strengthen student background knowledge in all disciplines, particularly mathematics. The program engages more than 650 students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.