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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

Commonweal Foundation, Inc.

$18,000 / 2004 / Education
For support of the 2004-2005 Pathways to Success Boarding School Scholarship Program for four students from Baltimore City. Pathways scholars are required to have summer jobs and participate in school-based employment or community service during the school year.

The Center for Education Reform

$10,000 / 2004 / Education
Toward the Charter School Resource Fund to support the development of charter schools in Baltimore City.

The Baraka School, Inc.

$34,000 / 2004 / Education
For final expenses associated with maintaining The Baraka School property until the lease expires on December 31, 2005. The Baraka School, now closed, was a boarding school located in Kenya, East Africa, serving underachieving Baltimore City middle school boys.

Baltimore Kids Chess League, Inc.

$25,000 / 2004 / Education
For expenses related to implementation of the Baltimore City Public School Chess Education Project, an after-school program for elementary school students. The goal of the project is to increase the number of after-school chess clubs in elementary schools by providing education materials and instructors to work with teacher-coaches, sponsoring chess activities, and encouraging children to attend competitive regional and national chess tournaments.

Baltimore Curriculum Project, Inc.

$12,000 / 2004 / Education
For the purchase of books and materials to establish 22 classroom libraries at Collington Square Elementary School.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.