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

Teach For America-Baltimore

$100,000 / 2003 / Education
For the continued support of recruitment, training, and professional development for Teach For America Corps members in Baltimore City public schools. These recent college graduates make a two-year commitment and are offered an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching at The Johns Hopkins University.

Saint Frances Academy

$8,400 / 2003 / Education
In support of covering costs for eight remaining male students experiencing homelessness in the Father Joubert boarding program at St. Frances Academy.

The Piney Woods School

$65,521 / 2003 / Education
To provide scholarships for selected underachieving at-risk male students from Baltimore City for the 2003-2004 school year. The grant also includes funding for a retention counselor whose responsibilities are to encourage positive attitudes, appropriate social behavior and academic achievement.

Parks & People Foundation

$15,000 / 2003 / Education
To underwrite recruitment costs of college students serving as teachers in Super Kids Camp 2003. The summer camp is a six-week educational, cultural and recreational program developed for third-grade Baltimore City public school students performing below grade level.

Office of the Mayor

$50,000 / 2003 / Education
To help fund the Baltimore City Mayoral Fellowships, Summer 2003. The purpose of the program is to develop a staff recruitment pipeline within City government, by recruiting and training fellows for permanent City government positions.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.