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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Advocates for Children and Youth

$65,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
To review and analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Human Resources and Baltimore City Department of Social Services in areas of child welfare service delivery. The object of the study is to determine if families and children are getting the services they need, why the length of stay in foster homes has increased, and why the number of caseworkers has decreased.

University of Maryland School of Nursing

$77,200 / 2000 / Education
For the development of “Pathway to Professional Nursing,” a high-school nursing academy for students in Baltimore City public high schools. The purpose of the academy is to inspire and assist high school students in the pursuit of a professional nursing career through a sequence of college preparatory coursework and electives. Candidates can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Teach For America-Baltimore

$75,000 / 2000 / Education
For expenses related to the cost of recruiting, selecting, training, and building an ongoing support network for Teach For America corps members and alumni currently teaching in 31 Baltimore City public schools.

St. Lawrence Research and Development Corporation

$17,000 / 2000 / Education
To conduct a pilot test which will assess the efficacy of a specially designed auditory instrument and a specific training technique. The instrument and the training have been created by Oster Sound Technologies for enhancing reading skills.

Reservoir Hill Improvement Council

$55,000 / 2000 / Education
Two grants for an after-school enrichment program for 350 kindergarten through fifth-grade students at John Eager Howard Elementary School. The program provides extra academic instruction and exposure to cultural enrichment activities, including computers, puppet making, chess, playwriting, basketball, cooking, arts and crafts, and field trips.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.