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 Health Department

$175,667 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of ChildSight, a vision screening program for Baltimore City public middle-school students for the 2001-2002 school year. The program, expanding to 40 schools, enables over 12,000 students to be screened for vision correction needs. Free on-site refractive error eye examinations and eyeglasses are available through third-party payments.

Baltimore City Foundation

$10,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
In support of the Baltimore Stars Coalition’s participation in the 2001 Amateur Athletic Union boys’ national basketball tournament.

Alternative Directions, Inc.

$35,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Toward costs of staffing to assist incarcerated fathers file for modifications of child support payments.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$100,000 / 2001 / Education
For expansion of the program to recruit, select, train and provide ongoing support for 100 Teach For America corps members. Recent college graduates are then placed in 34 Baltimore City public schools.

The Piney Woods School

$141,320 / 2001 / Education
To provide scholarships at a boarding school for selected at-risk Baltimore City adolescent male students for the 2001-2002 school year. The grant includes funding for the salary of a retention counselor whose responsibilities are to encourage positive attitudes, appropriate social behavior and academic achievement.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.