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

Friends of Patterson Park.

$18,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For continued support of the Volunteer Teams Project. The purpose of the project is to provide volunteer-driven decision-making authority over Patterson Park’s improvements and upkeep of the boat lake, trees, beautification projects, and the Pagoda.

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.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$55,900 / 2006 / Education
For expansion of the Math Works initiative for 3rd- through 6thgrade teachers in Baltimore City public schools. This program is designed as a training model, using electronic textbooks and hosting best practices forums, teacher discussions, and workshops. The goal is to have 90 percent of Math Works schools achieve math scores at the level determined as proficient by the state.

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2006 / Education
For support of the 2006 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp. The four-week summer camp offers 45 academically promising Baltimore City public school students entering 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades the opportunity to participate in the Gilman School learning environment. It provides individualized classes in language arts, geography, science, mathematics, and a foreign language, as well as cultural and recreational activities.

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland

$5,000 / 2006 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
To provide additional transportation for the Beyond Bars Program, an initiative for girls whose mothers are incarcerated at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup and the Baltimore Pre-release Unit for Women.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.