The William S. Abell Foundation supports qualified, tax-exempt organizations, regardless of religion or affiliation, providing aid to people in need in Washington, D.C. and counties specified in requirements.

Our Core Mission: The Foundation primarily awards grants quarterly to help the hungry, *intellectually disabled, homeless, abused women and children, and to assist at-risk pregnant women in delivering and caring for their infants. Grants typically do not exceed $25,000.

*The William S. Abell Foundation funds programs for the intellectual disabled only, and not for persons with other developmental disabilities. "The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has substituted the term intellectual disability as a narrow definition of mental retardation. This disability is characterized by 1) intellectual functioning level (IQ) below 70-75;  2) significant limitations in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills;  3) a disability originating before the age of 18".  

Additionally, the Foundation makes grants by:

  • Our Cultural Initiative in June and December by The Margaret Abell Powell Fund for classical ballet and traditional theater.  

All applicants must follow these four steps:

  1. Review our requirements, application checklist, and deadlines.
  2. Complete our online eligibility review: Am I Eligible?
  3. If eligible, review How to Apply and submit letter of intent with  Abortion Counseling Disclosure Statement and required documents.
  4. If letter of intent is approved, submit application through our our online application tool, or by email, or mail.