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/Harford Heights Intermediate School

$5,000 / 2001 / Education
For teacher stipends and expenses to support a music summer camp implementing the Orff Method.

Baltimore City Public School System/Edgecombe Circle Elementary School

$42,676 / 2001 / Education
In support of the Bridges to Learning Program for the 2001-2002 school year. The program consists of individualized assessments of students’ cognitive and perceptual learning abilities and individualized plans for remediation based on the Structure of Intellect model of intelligence.

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.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.