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

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.

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.

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.

$175,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Two-year funding of a workforce development initiative for persons leaving Maryland prisons and returning to Baltimore City. The program, providing 14 weeks of transitional services to up to 120 inmates at a time, will assist all participants in securing gainful employment through intensive job readiness training, life skills and computer training and job placements.

Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation

$5,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
In general support of CARES (Civic and Religious Emergency Services), a center providing emergency food and financial assistance for utility cutoffs, eviction prevention and medical prescription needs. The program was developed by representatives of 34 local churches and community organizations to serve the special needs of the homeless, hungry, senior citizens and mentally ill.

Greater Baltimore Committee

$5,000 / 2001 / Community Development
Toward the cost of a management review of the Baltimore City Office of Personnel.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.