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

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.

Office of the Mayor

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
Toward staffing costs of the Adopt-a-School Initiative.

Maryland State Department of Education

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
In support of an event to benefit Teach For America and Maryland’s Initiative for New Teachers.

KIPP Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2002 / Education
Toward the establishment of a Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) Academy, a middle school (grades 5 to 8) based on high expectations for academic achievement and conduct, extended day, community leadership skill training, music training, mandatory enrichment weekend programs and summer school.

Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
For the establishment of The Abell Foundation Award in Urban Policy. The award will be given to a student who authors the most outstanding urban policy paper, based on original research, offering recommendations, remedies or strategies on an issue facing Baltimore City.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.