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

The Ingenuity Project

$592,930 / 2002 / Education
For continued support of the 2002-2003 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for Baltimore City public middle- and high-school students, with emphasis on scientific research and preparation for national competitions.

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2002 / Education
In support of the 2002 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp, a summer enrichment program for Baltimore City public school students.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$5,500 / 2002 / Education
Two grants for expenses related to the ongoing evaluation of the academic performance rates of former Baltimore City public school students now attending parochial schools, as compared to a selected peer group in the Baltimore City Public School System.

Educational Opportunity Program

$42,300 / 2002 / Education
For staffing of a full-time facilitator to increase the high school graduation rate among Baraka School graduates by providing a constructive role model, academic and social support, and links to college and career counseling.

Core Knowledge Foundation

$161,500 / 2002 / Education
In support of the implementation of the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence in all Baltimore County Head Start Centers; three Baltimore City Public System School preschools; and one private preschool, for the 2002-2003 school year. The purpose of this initiative is to help the participating Head Start Centers refocus their curriculum on school readiness.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.