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

Baltimore Regional Partnership

$5,000 / 2002 / Community Development
For a study to compile an inventory of areas with development or redevelopment potential for the Baltimore Regional Rail System Plan.

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.

Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation

$25,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For second-year support of the Bon Secours Youth Employment and Career Development Project. The program helps high-school students to obtain after-school employment and plan future careers. It provides formal training sessions in financial literacy, leadership, and post-high school education planning.

Business Volunteers Unlimited/Maryland

$5,000 / 2002 / Health and Human Services
For the purchase of a Web-based database management system to provide leadership and volunteer opportunities in support of the nonprofit community.

Calvert School

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

Header photo courtesy of Thread.