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/Administrative Search

$135,948 / 2000 / Education
For consulting expenses related to the search for a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Technology Officer, and for the development of a financial reporting process.

Baltimore City Public School System/100 Book Challenge

$75,800 / 2000 / Education
In support of an expansion of the 100 Book Challenge to 20 Baltimore City public elementary schools for the 2000-2001 school year. The program is designed to help teachers, families, and administrators create environments in which children learn to read independently.

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.

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.

Archdiocese of Baltimore

$123,000 / 2000 / Education
To provide scholarships enabling Choice and other Baltimore City public school at-risk students to attend parochial schools in Baltimore City during the 2000-2001 school year. By participating in this model delinquency and dropout prevention program, these students are expected to benefit from smaller classes, one-on-one instruction, and a structured educational setting.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.