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

The Johns Hopkins University/ Center for Social Organization of Schools

$30,700 / 2004 / Education
For an evaluation of the impact of new teachers hired by the Baltimore City Public School System. At the point of hiring, this study will make comparisons among: 1) teachers who have full professional certification; 2) teachers who have alternative certification (such as Teach For America and the Baltimore Teaching Residency Program); 3) and teachers who have conditional certification. The evaluation will study teacher retention and daily attendance, PRAXIS (national teacher certification test) scores, contract renewal rates, subject-area expertise, and tuition reimbursement.

The Johns Hopkins University/ Center for Social Organization of Schools

$15,000 / 2004 / Education
For an evaluation of the Educational Opportunity Program at two new high schools located at the Southwestern Campus.

The Ingenuity Project

$500,000 / 2004 / Education
In support of the 2004-2005 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for more than 475 Baltimore City public elementary, middle, and high school students. Its purpose is to identify and develop nationally competitive math, science, and engineering students.

Goucher College

$25,000 / 2004 / Education
For start-up costs of the Goucher Collective in the Old Goucher Historic District, including rent, utilities and furniture, to implement after-school programs for Baltimore City public school students. Goucher’s goal for the program is to help revitalize the South Charles Village neighborhood by partnering nonprofit service organizations with at-risk youth and Goucher students.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.