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 for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

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?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a 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 Ingenuity Project

$623,030 / 2001 / Education
For continued support of the 2001-2002 Ingenuity Project, an intensive math and science curriculum for Baltimore City public middle and high school students with emphasis on scientific research and preparation for national competitions.

Gilman School

$5,000 / 2001 / Education
Toward the support of the 2001 Baltimore Independent School Learning Camp, a summer enrichment program for Baltimore City public school students.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$2,000,000 / 2001 / Education
Five-year funding in support of a collaborative high school reform initiative in nine zoned Baltimore City high schools and the creation of six to ten “Innovation” small high schools. The objective of this major collaborative is to reduce the drop-out rate and to increase student achievement by improving academic rigor, creating more advanced leadership and raising the level of teaching.

Fund for Educational Excellence

$10,000 / 2001 / Education
In support of an ongoing evaluation comparing the effects of Catholic education programs and those of the Baltimore City Public School System. A selected number of at-risk inner-city youth will be in the study.

Earthspan/Center for Conservation Research & Technology/University of Maryland Baltimore County

$91,000 / 2001 / Education
For the implementation of Eye of the Falcon, an educational pilot program in math, science and wildlife conservation research within the Ingenuity Project curriculum in Baltimore City public middle schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.