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

Citizens Planning and Housing Association

$15,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Three grants for legal fees related to the Woodberry Community billboard litigation.

Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning

$5,000 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
Toward the development and implementation of a strategic plan to prevent lead paint poisoning.

Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning

$89,010 / 2000 / Health and Human Services
To study Baltimore City’s efforts to screen, refer, and provide services to children suffering from lead poisoning; and to incorporate findings into advocacy efforts in the form of a report card.

CollegeBound Foundation, Inc.

$139,700 / 2000 / Education
For a Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) pilot project at four Baltimore City high schools. The program involves the hiring of CollegeBound counselors to integrate SAT preparation and test taking, college visitation, and college advising as part of their ‘College Club’ after-school programs.

Commonweal Foundation, Inc.

$31,704 / 2000 / Education
For support of the 2000-2001 Pathways to Success boarding school scholarships for 12 at-risk, financially needy Baltimore City students.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.