Read our 2024 Annual Report

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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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/Baltimore Freedom Academy

$20,880 / 2005 / Education
For costs of the installation of doors to create a physical separation of space between the Baltimore Freedom Academy and Lombard Middle School. The doors will help ensure the safety of students and decrease disruption between the schools.

Baltimore City Public School System

$100,000 / 2005 / Education
To provide stipends to math, science, and special education teachers affected by Hurricane Katrina. The incentives are designed to encourage relocation of teachers to Baltimore City.

Baltimore City College Alumni Association

$15,000 / 2005 / Education
Two grants in support of the 2005-2006 Speech and Debate Program at Baltimore City College High School.

The Baltimore Algebra Project

$5,000 / 2005 / Education
For expansion of the Algebra Project tutoring services to Lemmel Middle School. By establishing a group of tutors and a peer-to-peer training system for new tutors, the project is expected to improve student grades and encourage positive attitudes about mathematics.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$7,500 / 2005 / Education
For staffing of the Education Funders Affinity Group, designed to enable Baltimore area grantmakers to learn about worthy education initiatives and school reform efforts, locally and nationally.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.