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 City Public School System/Baltimore City College

$44,847 / 2001 / Education
For support of the 2001-2002 Speech and Debate Program, including field trips to colleges; and for a summer camp component.

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academic League

$139,900 / 2001 / Education
In support of the 2001-2002 National Academic League in Baltimore City middle schools. The league provides extracurricular interscholastic programming in a competition and media atmosphere associated with athletic events to encourage higher academic achievement.

Baltimore City Public School System/Fast ForWord Computer-Based Program

$13,714 / 2001 / Education
To evaluate the “Fast ForWord” computer-based training program, a reading program designed for children with language-based learning impairments. The program incorporates adaptive technology, matching participants’ incoming skill level, while focusing on re-enforcing key predictors to reading success: phonemic awareness, phonological awareness and language skills.

Baltimore City Public School System/100 Book Challenge

$35,000 / 2001 / Education
To support a coordinator to assist with the implementation of the 100 Book Challenge program in elementary schools. The program is designed to help teachers, families, and administrators create positive environments in which children learn to read independently.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.