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

Office of the Mayor

$50,000 / 2002 / Education
For support of the Baltimore City Mayoral Fellowship Summer 2002 Program. The program placed 12 graduate and six undergraduate students in City agencies for ten weeks during the summer. The purpose of the program is to generate interest in pursuing careers in Baltimore City government among qualified university students.

Office of the Mayor

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
Toward staffing costs of the Adopt-a-School Initiative.

Maryland State Department of Education

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
In support of an event to benefit Teach For America and Maryland’s Initiative for New Teachers.

KIPP Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2002 / Education
Toward the establishment of a Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) Academy, a middle school (grades 5 to 8) based on high expectations for academic achievement and conduct, extended day, community leadership skill training, music training, mandatory enrichment weekend programs and summer school.

Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
For the establishment of The Abell Foundation Award in Urban Policy. The award will be given to a student who authors the most outstanding urban policy paper, based on original research, offering recommendations, remedies or strategies on an issue facing Baltimore City.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.