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

Baltimore City Public School System/Roland Park Elementary/Middle School

$5,000 / 2001 / Education
Toward staffing of a string instrument music program.

Baltimore City Public School System/The Midtown Academy

$95,520 / 2001 / Education
For completion of the third-floor building renovations to house the middle school, and for start-up costs of the phased-in seventh grade. As one of the New Schools, Midtown Academy is managed by a team of parents, teachers and an administrator.

Baltimore City Public School System/Lake Clifton-Eastern High School

$121,000 / 2001 / Education
For the continuation and expansion of the NOVEL/STARS on-line educational system at Lake Clifton Eastern High School, Francis M. Wood Alternative School and the Fairmount-Harford Alternative School for the 2001-2002 school year. This computerized school-based educational program is designed as a prevention project for students at risk of dropping out of school.

Baltimore City Public School System/John Ruhrah Elementary School

$9,000 / 2001 / Education
For costs of a staff assistant to implement the Bridges to Learning Program, a model for remediation of reading deficits.

Baltimore City Public School System/Northern High School

$5,000 / 2001 / Education
To provide incentives for 300 students participating in the High School Math Review Program, a four-week summer program.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.