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/Baltimore City College

$17,000 / 2000 / Education
For expenses related to the 2000-2001 Speech and Debate Program.

Baltimore City Public School System/Baltimore City College

$18,000 / 2000 / Education
To support participation of Baltimore City College students in the Speech and Debate Summer Workshops at Bates College in Maine.

Baltimore City Public School System/School Transformation Project

$5,000 / 2000 / Education
Toward consulting fees for the development of an implementation plan and time line for nine schools eligible for reconstitution funding.

Baltimore City Public School System/National Academic League

$129,800 / 2000 / Education
For support of the 2000-2001 National Academic League in Baltimore City middle schools. The league provides extracurricular interscholastic programming in a competition and media atmosphere associated with athletics. The program encourages higher academic achievement.

Baltimore City Public School System/High School Reform

$5,000 / 2000 / Education
For consulting services to facilitate planning for high school reform in Baltimore City public schools.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.