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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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

Fund for Educational Excellence

$45,000 / 2005 / Education
For continued support of Math Works, designed to develop a professional training model for third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade math teachers in Baltimore City. The training will utilize workshops, electronic textbooks, and state-of-the-art practices.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$10,000 / 2005 / Education
For the development of a strategy to recruit and train Baltimore City public secondary school math teachers for the 2006-2007 school year.

Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$25,000 / 2005 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For an evaluation of Power Inside, an outreach program serving 200 women affected by incarceration, street life, and abuse. The program offers direct client services, leadership development, and public education to help build self-sufficiency, heal from violence, and avoid criminal justice system contact.

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.

$100,000 / 2005 / Workforce Development
For support of the Shapiro Training and Employment Program’s (STEP) Ticket To Work Project, a program for disadvantaged persons with psychiatric disabilities. Now merged with Goodwill Industries, the goal of the project is to enroll 300 Social Security Administration clients into the program and place at least 80 graduates in jobs.

Goucher College

$25,000 / 2005 / Education
To fund costs of leasing office space in support of after-school programs for Baltimore City public schools at the Goucher Collective in the Old Goucher Historic District. The goal is to revitalize the South Charles Village neighborhood by partnering nonprofit service organizations with at-risk youth and Goucher students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.