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

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$54,017 / 2000 / Education
To provide scholarships for Baltimore City public school students to attend Catholic parochial schools. The initiative is designed to compare the effectiveness of a Catholic school education against a public school education among at-risk inner-city students. The funds will underwrite the cost of the fifth year of an eight-year study.

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

$9,500 / 2000 / Other
For 2000 membership dues.

Baltimore Academy of Excellence

$50,600 / 2000 / Education
To provide scholarships for 22 inner-city students to attend the Academy’s Traditional School and Special Needs School in a year-round structured learning environment. The Academy enrolls students who have failed in a regular public school setting and who can take advantage of its specialized curriculum, individualized attention, and counseling.

Baltimore Center for the Performing Arts

$1,000,000 / 2000 / Community Development
Four-year funding for leasehold improvements to the historic Hippodrome Theatre, a venue to house Baltimore’s premier Broadway road shows in the heart of the West Side redevelopment area.

Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound Program

$5,000 / 2000 / Environment
Toward the expansion of the Communities Organized to Revitalize the Environment (CORE) Program. Funding supports after-school activities for Baltimore City public school students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.