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

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$54,017 / 2000 / Education
To provide scholarships for Baltimore City public school students to attend Catholic parochial schools. The initiative is designed to compare the effectiveness of a Catholic school education against a public school education among at-risk inner-city students. The funds will underwrite the cost of the fifth year of an eight-year study.

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$123,000 / 2000 / Education
To provide scholarships enabling Choice and other Baltimore City public school at-risk students to attend parochial schools in Baltimore City during the 2000-2001 school year. By participating in this model delinquency and dropout prevention program, these students are expected to benefit from smaller classes, one-on-one instruction, and a structured educational setting.

Advocates for Children and Youth

$292,720 / 2000 / Education
Two-year funding for continued support of Students First, an advocacy project dedicated to improving the quality of education for children in Baltimore City public schools. In support of educational reform, Students First provides assessment of educational practices, policies, and programs, and makes recommendations for research-based programs and strategies.

Scenic America

$10,000 / 2000 / Environment
Seed funding to establish a statewide scenic conservation organization, Scenic Maryland, as an affiliate of Scenic America. The purposes of the program are to continue the education of local citizens about scenic conservation, serve as a local watchdog on billboard measures, and work in partnerships and collaboratives to protect Maryland’s scenic beauty.

Center for a Livable Future

$5,000 / 2000 / Environment
For staffing to oversee the creation of two schoolyard gardens at Elmer A. Henderson Elementary School.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.