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

The Baraka School, Inc.

$500,000 / 2001 / Education
For the continuation of The Baraka School residential program for the 2002-2003 school year.

The Baraka School, Inc.

$472,052 / 2001 / Education
Toward operating expenses for the 2001-2002 school year. The boarding school, located in Kenya, provides a residential academic program for 21 at-risk underachieving Baltimore City middle-school boys.

Baltimore Shakespeare Partnership

$5,000 / 2001 / Education
For support of the Shakespeare Summer Camp, a four-week cultural arts program, for students in Baltimore City public schools.

Baltimore Reads, Inc.

$32,000 / 2001 / Education
For an evaluation of Baltimore City’s adult literacy program to determine average cost of the programs and their effectiveness in changing the income levels of participants.

Baltimore Curriculum Project

$528,926 / 2001 / Education
Two grants in support of the implementation of the Baltimore Curriculum Project for the 2001-2002 school year. The Project will also provide oversight for City Springs Elementary School and the Barclay School, two New Schools operating under a quasi-charter status.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.