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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

University of Maryland Baltimore County

$1,000,000 / 2002 / Education
A five-year grant toward establishment of the Walter and Janet Sondheim Public Affairs Scholarship Program.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$100,000 / 2002 / Education
For the continuation of an initiative to recruit, train and provide ongoing support for 85 new Teach For America corps members. These recent college graduates, who make a two-year commitment to teach in Baltimore City public schools, are also offered an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching at Johns Hopkins University.

The Piney Woods School

$108,690 / 2002 / Education
To provide scholarships for selected underachieving students from Baltimore City for the 2002-2003 school year. The grant also includes funding for the salary of a retention counselor whose responsibilities are to encourage positive attitudes, appropriate social behavior and academic achievement.

Parks & People Foundation

$180,000 / 2002 / Education
For continued support of SuperKids Camp 2002, a six-week summer educational, cultural and recreational program for third-grade Baltimore City public school students performing below grade level.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.