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

Baltimore City Public School System/Baltimore City College

$45,313 / 2002 / Education
For continued support of the 2002-2003 Speech and Debate Program that includes the enhancement of a full-time Mock Trial program.

Baltimore City Community College

$28,000 / 2002 / Education
For support of an initiative to improve outcomes of developmental education through the use of Academic Systems, a computer-based educational product designed to accelerate remedial learning. Academic Systems is a faculty mediated approach that combines traditional instructional methods with interactive multi-media software. The goals are to improve the pass and performance rates of a cohort of Baltimore City Community College students enrolled in pilot developmental courses and to increase the college’s retention rate.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
In support of the Education Funders Affinity Group for the 2002-2003 school year.

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$68,000 / 2002 / Education
To provide scholarships enabling Baltimore City at-risk students to attend parochial schools in Baltimore City during the 2002-2003 school year, as part of a longitudinal study comparing student performance in Catholic and public schools. By participating in this model delinquency and dropout prevention program, these students are expected to benefit from smaller classes, one-to-one instruction and structured educational settings.

Scenic Maryland

$5,000 / 2002 / Environment
In support of the launch of the Scenic Maryland initiative, promoting the adoption in Maryland of “best practices” and strategies used in other states to encourage greater scenic conservation.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.