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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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Fund for Educational Excellence

$30,000 / 2004 / Education
For continued support of Teaching That Works, a math curriculum and instruction initiative for fourth- and fifth-grade teachers in Baltimore City public schools. Teaching That Works aligns the Baltimore City math curriculum with Maryland’s new testing program. With this grant, teachers in the county school systems can receive online guidance and can access lesson plans and materials that have proved successful in raising achievement in city schools.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

$114,300 / 2004 / Education
To provide one-on-one mentoring to help 100 at-risk students at two new high schools located on the Southwestern Campus reach their academic potential: first, by graduating from high school; and second, by pursuing post-secondary education or career training. EOP provides a full-time facilitator at each school to offer one-on-one mentoring, along with support for academic and social programs, monitoring of attendance and academic progress, tutorials, advocacy on behalf of the students within the school and community, assistance with locating part-time employment, and college and career counseling.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

$50,000 / 2004 / Education
For the salary and expenses of a facilitator to help increase the high school graduation rate among 54 former Baraka School graduates and to provide them with resources to pursue post-secondary education or career training. Support includes tutorial assistance with locating employment and access to college and career opportunities.

Core Knowledge Foundation

$125,726 / 2004 / Education
For continued implementation of a five-year demonstration project of the Core Knowledge Preschool Curriculum in all Baltimore County Head Start Centers, and in pre-K programs in four Baltimore City public schools. Professional development and the providing of resources in literacy, math, science, social skills, and the arts are intended to improve the quality of instruction and raise the level of teacher competence, with the aim of increasing students’ achievement. Priorities include completion of the Core Knowledge training in art, development of a Core Knowledge certification process, and establishment of a summer institute for teachers on supervision and mentoring.

Coppin State University

$50,000 / 2004 / Education
In support of the Talented Ten Mentoring Program for 40 at-risk African-American males attending Rosemont Elementary School, Lemmel Middle School, and Douglass High School, all located in the Coppin “Urban Education Corridor.” The program offers mentoring, tutoring, summer academic enrichment, field trips, and exposure to cultural events for students who demonstrate a high potential for academic success but have encountered social, personal, or financial barriers.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.