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

Core Knowledge Foundation

$140,750 / 2001 / Education
Planning grant to fund the search for a project director, and for creation of prototypes and related materials for the language arts lesson plans focused on vocabulary. The goal of this project is to reduce the literacy gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.