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

National Center for Learning Disabilities

$38,000 / 2001 / Education
For the implementation of the Get Ready to Read! assessment tool in the Baltimore County Head Start Centers, designed to determine extent of the children’s reading readiness.

National Museum of Ceramic Art and Glass

$42,720 / 2001 / Arts
For continued support of the implementation of the ceramic arts curriculum in classroom settings and instruction and after-school ceramic arts clubs in 19 Baltimore City public middle schools.

Office of the Mayor

$125,000 / 2001 / Community Development
For expenses related to Phase II of a land use and redevelopment plan for the east side neighborhood north of Johns Hopkins Hospital. The plan centers on a biomedical research facility and explores the feasibility of other economic, retail and residential uses.

Open Gates, Inc.

$200,000 / 2001 / Health and Human Services
Toward the capital campaign of a new facility for the Open Gates Health Center established to serve uninsured and underserved families in Pigtown/Washington Village area. The development of two rowhouses will enable the center to provide additional examination rooms, a larger waiting area, laboratory space, storage and administrative offices.

Parks & People Foundation

$190,000 / 2001 / Education
In support of the SuperKids Camp 2001, a six-week summer school educational, cultural and recreational program for inner-city Baltimore City public school students entering third grade who are performing below grade level.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.