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

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

$50,000 / 2004 / Education
For the salary and expenses of a facilitator to help increase the high school graduation rate among 54 former Baraka School graduates and to provide them with resources to pursue post-secondary education or career training. Support includes tutorial assistance with locating employment and access to college and career opportunities.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

$114,300 / 2004 / Education
To provide one-on-one mentoring to help 100 at-risk students at two new high schools located on the Southwestern Campus reach their academic potential: first, by graduating from high school; and second, by pursuing post-secondary education or career training. EOP provides a full-time facilitator at each school to offer one-on-one mentoring, along with support for academic and social programs, monitoring of attendance and academic progress, tutorials, advocacy on behalf of the students within the school and community, assistance with locating part-time employment, and college and career counseling.

Episcopal Housing Corporation

$31,400 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
Capital grant for the development of the Collington Square Oxford House, a residential drug treatment program for eight men in recovery. The model provides a structured environment for addicts who have stabilized their lives and found employment, but who require peer support and reinforcement of a small, drug-free community.

Friends of Patterson Park

$30,000 / 2004 / Community Development
Two grants: for support of Sundays With the Kids, a series of children’s performances and interactive art-oriented activities during the summer months; and, for continued support of initiatives designed to help revitalize Patterson Park. Friends of Patterson Park advocates for capital improvements, and develops programs for year-round activity. The initiatives are expected to increase the desirability of the surrounding neighborhoods, improve safety in the park, and create a sense of community stewardship.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$30,000 / 2004 / Education
For continued support of Teaching That Works, a math curriculum and instruction initiative for fourth- and fifth-grade teachers in Baltimore City public schools. Teaching That Works aligns the Baltimore City math curriculum with Maryland’s new testing program. With this grant, teachers in the county school systems can receive online guidance and can access lesson plans and materials that have proved successful in raising achievement in city schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.