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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

Learning, Inc.

$20,000 / 2003 / Education
For support of The Learning Cooperative, a dropout recovery/academic credit program for Baltimore City at-risk middle school students.

KIPP Foundation

$10,000 / 2003 / Education
A planning grant for the KIPP Harbor Academy As a small, middle school model, KIPP is built on the philosophy of high expectations, student and family commitment, longer school hours, autonomous school leadership and focus on academic achievement. Students are expected to make a commitment to the fine and performing arts in after-school and Saturday morning programming.

Johns Hopkins University/Center for Social Organization of Schools

$25,135 / 2003 / Education
For the 2003-2004 evaluations of designated Abell-funded education initiatives.

Institute of Notre Dame

$20,000 / 2003 / Education
Toward an endowment to provide scholarships and financial aid.

The Ingenuity Project

$500,000 / 2003 / Education
In support of the 2003-2004 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for more than 450 Baltimore City public elementary, middle and high school students, with emphasis on scientific research and preparation for national competitions.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.