Read our new report: Later School Start Times for Adolescents in Baltimore City Public Schools

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

Baraka School, Inc.

$143,900 / 2003 / Education
For expenses to phase out a boarding school for 40 at-risk underachieving Baltimore City middle school students. The school, located in Kenya, offered a nine-month residential academic program Baraka graduates will continue to be monitored through high school graduation.

Baltimore Curriculum Project, Inc.

$578,600 / 2003 / Education
For the implementation of the Baltimore Curriculum Project for the 2003-2004 school year. The project provides planning and management oversight of four Baltimore City public schools as part of the New Schools Initiative, offers a combination of Direct Instruction and Core Knowledge curricula and serves as an incubator for pilot strategies.

Baltimore City Public School System/Roland Park Elementary/Middle School

$5,000 / 2003 / Education
For support of the Write Place Writing Center, a writing and arts program, for the 2003-2004 school year.

Baltimore City Public School System/New Schools Initiative

$42,191 / 2003 / Education
To fund the cost of retaining a coordinator for Baltimore City’s New Schools Initiative for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year. The coordinator oversees the development of charter schools and works with nonprofit operators to convert existing public schools, or start a new public school The New Schools Initiative enjoys greater autonomy in governance, staffing, programming and budgeting.

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academic League

$122,185 / 2003 / Education
In support of the 2003-2004 National Academic League in 30 Baltimore City middle schools The League provides extracurricular interscholastic programming in an atmosphere of competitive excitement traditionally associated with athletic events.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.