Read our 2024 Annual Report

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 Academy of Excellence

$55,000 / 2001 / Education
For scholarships to enable 22 inner-city students to attend the Academy’s Traditional School and Special Needs School in a year-round structured learning environment. The Academy enrolls students who have failed in a regular public school setting and who can take advantage of its specialized curriculum, individualized attention and counseling.

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$76,000 / 2001 / Education
To provide scholarships enabling Baltimore City public school at-risk students to attend parochial schools in Baltimore City during the 2001-2002 school year. By participating in this model delinquency and dropout prevention program, these students are expected to benefit from smaller classes, one-to-one instruction and a structured educational setting.

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$46,000 / 2001 / Education
To provide tuition assistance at St. Elizabeth of Hungary School for children of the purchasers of Patterson Park Community Development Corporation’s renovated homes.

Arts Education in Maryland Schools Consortium

$10,000 / 2001 / Education
Two grants for general support of programs designed to integrate the cultural arts into the curriculum of Maryland’s public schools.

Herring Run Watershed Association

$5,000 / 2001 / Environment
For general support of stewardship activities designed to improve the environmental quality of the Herring Run watershed, which reaches the Chesapeake Bay.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.