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

Community Law Center

$20,000 / 2004 / Community Development
For continued support of the Real Estate Services Project, created to fight the blight of vacant housing. The goals of the project are to ensure that residents remain confident about their neighborhoods; keep Baltimore’s housing stock competitive with suburban housing markets; and stimulate reinvestment in the city.

Coppin State University

$50,000 / 2004 / Education
In support of the Talented Ten Mentoring Program for 40 at-risk African-American males attending Rosemont Elementary School, Lemmel Middle School, and Douglass High School, all located in the Coppin “Urban Education Corridor.” The program offers mentoring, tutoring, summer academic enrichment, field trips, and exposure to cultural events for students who demonstrate a high potential for academic success but have encountered social, personal, or financial barriers.

Core Knowledge Foundation

$125,726 / 2004 / Education
For continued implementation of a five-year demonstration project of the Core Knowledge Preschool Curriculum in all Baltimore County Head Start Centers, and in pre-K programs in four Baltimore City public schools. Professional development and the providing of resources in literacy, math, science, social skills, and the arts are intended to improve the quality of instruction and raise the level of teacher competence, with the aim of increasing students’ achievement. Priorities include completion of the Core Knowledge training in art, development of a Core Knowledge certification process, and establishment of a summer institute for teachers on supervision and mentoring.

Creative Alliance

$100,000 / 2004 / Arts
A challenge grant to retire the loan for major capital renovations of the Patterson Theater in Highlandtown. The cultural center houses exhibition and performing space for more than 350 art, film/video, music, dance, and poetry events, and offers residential studios for eight artists. The theater’s presence as a gateway to Highlandtown is expected to prove a catalyst for the continuing revitalization of the neighborhoods.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$50,000 / 2004 / Community Development
In support of staffing for the Partnership’s Facade Improvement Grant Program. Coordinating with Baltimore City, the Downtown Partnership provides matching funds to facilitate the improvement of facades in the downtown area. Enhancing the look of the buildings is expected to attract private investment, increase pedestrian traffic, and improve the business climate.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.