Read our 2024 Annual Report

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

CollegeBound Foundation, Inc.

$25,400 / 2002 / Education
For the acquisition of computer equipment to improve the transmission of data between the CollegeBound database and computers at 15 Baltimore City high schools where full-time CollegeBound advisors encourage and assist students in the college application process.

Calvert School

$20,000 / 2002 / Education
Two grants toward administrative assistance in implementing the Calvert curriculum at Dr. Carter G. Woodson Elementary School.

The Book Thing of Baltimore, Inc.

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
For general support of expenses related to the distribution of free books to students and adults in Baltimore City.

Baraka School

$159,500 / 2002 / Education
Two grants for expenses related to the construction of new dormitory buildings for eighth-grade students. The boarding school, located in Kenya, provides a residential academic program for 40 at-risk underachieving Baltimore City middle school boys.

Baltimore Curriculum Project

$445,285 / 2002 / Education
In support of the implementation of the Baltimore Curriculum Project for the 2002-2003 school year. The project provides planning and management oversight of four schools in Baltimore City’s New Schools Initiative and support for planning for an additional New School. The Baltimore Curriculum Project currently offers a combination of Direct Instruction and Core Knowledge and serves as an incubator for a variety of curricula and projects being piloted.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.