Read our 2024 Annual Report

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/Midtown Academy

$81,559 / 2000 / Education
For renovation of third floor and start-up costs for the addition of a middle school. As one of Baltimore City Public School System’s New Schools Initiative, Midtown Academy is managed by a team of parents, teachers, and an administrator. Based on expectations of strong parental involvement, small classes, high attendance rates, and solid academic achievement, the Academy continues to expand.

Lake Clifton-Eastern High School

$140,000 / 2000 / Education
For continued support of NOVEL, an educational program for academically at-risk students for the 2000-2001 school year. The computerized school-based educational program is designed as a prevention project for students in danger of dropping out of school.

Baltimore City Public School System/Edgecombe Circle Elementary School

$64,676 / 2000 / Education
For support of the Bridges to Learning Program for the 2000-2001 school year. The program consists of individualized assessment 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/The Barclay School

$5,000 / 2000 / Education
To provide staff training for new teachers in the Calvert curriculum for the 2000-2001 school year.

Baltimore City Public School System/Baltimore City College

$85,965 / 2000 / Education
Two grants in support of the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate Programmes and Advanced Placement Examination Program for the 2000-2001 school year. As part of a five-year plan, the project will serve as a pilot to increase the number of students participating in nationally recognized coursework; implement community service projects; provide incentives for teachers, students, and schools based on completion of courses; and provide teacher training from the College Board.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.