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 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.

Baltimore Curriculum Project, Inc.

$580,800 / 2004 / Education
For continued implementation of the Baltimore Curriculum Project for the 2004-2005 school year. The project, which provides management oversight of three Baltimore City public schools as part of the New Schools Initiative, offers a combination of the Direct Instruction and Core Knowledge curricula, and serves as an incubator for pilot strategies. During the current year, the Baltimore Curriculum Project will continue to align Direct Instruction and test preparation to the new Maryland State Assessments and develop a middle school curriculum integrating Core Knowledge, Direct Instruction, and Algebra I.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.