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

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2003 / Education
For support of the 2003 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp, a summer enrichment program for 45 Baltimore City fourth and fifth graders.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$21,500 / 2003 / Education
To support the costs of creating a website for Teaching That Works, a math curriculum for fourth- and fifth-grade students Teaching That Works aligns the Baltimore City math curriculum with Maryland’s new testing program. With this grant, Maryland teachers can receive online guidance and access curricular lessons and materials that have proven successful in raising math achievement in City schools.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$80,000 / 2003 / Education
In support of school principal development.

Core Knowledge Foundation Inc.

$99,770 / 2003 / Education
For the continued implementation of the Core Knowledge Preschool Curriculum in all Baltimore County Head Start Centers and pre-kindergarten programs in four Baltimore City public schools. The professional development and resources in literacy, math, science, social skills and the arts are intended to improve the quality of instruction and teachers as well as provide for increased student achievement in kindergarten and beyond.

Commonweal Foundation, Inc.

$24,900 / 2003 / Education
For support of the 2003-2004 Pathways to Success boarding school scholarships for 12 at-risk, financially needy Baltimore City public school students. All Pathways scholars are required to have summer jobs and to participate in school-based employment or community service during the school year.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.