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Ira Block Foundation Inc at a glance

· Private foundation

Ira Block Foundation Inc

Its FY2025 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$205k
Granted FY2020
24
Grants FY2020
7
States reached
$32k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
0188% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2024.

Arts & Culture$120kSocial Science$115kEducation$65kCommunity Improvement$33kHealth$21kReligion$20kCrime & Legal$13kHuman Services$7kOther$0
02FY2020 · 24 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

How this is measured
The 24 grants below total $124,440, the rows itemized in this filing. The $204,810 headline is the total grant expense on the return; the other $80,370 is giving the schedule does not break out (grants under the $5,000 itemization floor, grants to individuals, grants on other schedules). Every figure below describes the itemized rows only.

By grant size · FY2020

  • Under $10k21 grants · $50k
  • $10k–50k3 grants · $74k
$2,000
Median grant
7
States reached
$181k
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
Economics of Compassion Initiative$31,500
Elementz$27,500
Cincinnati Development Fund$15,000
Cincinnati Union Co-Op$9,000
Ohio Justice & Policy Center$6,025
Charutar Health Foundation Corp.$5,000
OTRCH$5,000
Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio$5,000
Cincinnati Public Radio$3,000
CincyStories$3,000
Schumacher Center for New Economics$3,000
Peaslee Center$2,000
Marquette University$2,000
Clifton Community Fund$1,500
Cincinnati Business & Professional Assn$1,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Dollar for dollar, its grants (FY17–25) land where the poverty rate runs at 15%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 100% of its dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%SCHUMACHER CENTER FOR NEW ECONOMICS: $2k → 12%COMMON CHANGE: $62k → 10%PARTNERSHIP TO END ADDICTION: $500 → 17%GLOBAL GIVING: $575 → 14%LEARN TO SAIL: $500 → 9%HOSPICE OF SE CT: $1k → 9%AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND: $750 → 10%CARDINAL LAND CONSERVANCY: $500 → 9%SEE ATTACHED: $376k → 16%YES MAGAZINE: $2k → 10%ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE: $2k → 9%GROTON OPEN SPACE ASSOCIATION: $2k → 9%SEE ATTACHED: $332k → 16%YES MAGAZINE: $500 → 10%SEE ATTACHED: $272k → 16%SEE ATTACHED: $227k → 16%SEE ATTACHED: $68k → 16%CLIFTON MARKET: $9k → 16%CLIFTON MARKET: $6k → 16%PANOPTIC MEDIA: $2k → 16%CINCINNATI PUBLIC RADIO: $2k → 16%CINCINNATI PUBLIC RADIO: $2k → 16%CINCINNATI PUBLIC RADIO: $2k → 16%J-RAB: $2k → 16%MEDIA WORKING GROUP: $10k → 16%CINCY STORIES: $2k → 16%CHRISTOPHER SMYTH: $5k → 16%VARIOUS SPONSORSHIPS: $2k → 16%PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SW OHIO: $3k → 16%PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SW OHIO: $3k → 16%PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SW OHIO: $3k → 16%ECONOMICS OF COMPASSION INITIATIVE: $79k → 16%ELEMENTZ: $21k → 16%ELEMENTZ: $21k → 16%ELEMENTZ: $20k → 16%OHIO JUSTICE & POLICY CENTER: $6k → 16%CINCINNATI UNION CO-OP: $5k → 16%CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL: $5k → 16%OTRCH: $5k → 16%OTRCH: $3k → 16%OTRCH: $3k → 16%PEASLEE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER: $2k → 16%PEASLEE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER: $2k → 16%CLIFTON TOWN MEETING: $1k → 16%WOMEN'S FUND GREATER CINCINNATI FOUNDATION: $1k → 16%WOMEN'S FUND GREATER CINCINNATI FOUNDATION: $750 → 16%CLIFTON TOWN MEETING: $725 → 16%CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM: $600 → 16%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

WA
NY
MA
OH
PA
NJ
CT
CA
CO
DC
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

69%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$299k · 19 repeat orgs$132k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +83% since the first grant, against +50% for those funded once.

19 repeat relationships: 11 still active in FY2020, 8 since wound down; 13 grantees were first funded in FY2020 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

19
33

Total granted

$299k
$99k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+83%
+50%

Still filing today

53%
45%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2020, 73% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $33k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20
Arts & CultureEnvironmentCommunity ImprovementEducationHealthCivil RightsOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • E
    Elementz
    4× · 2017–2020 · $90k · revenue +0%
  • OJ
    OHIO JUSTICE AND POLICY CENTER
    3× · 2017–2020 · $13k · revenue +34%
  • CP
    Cincinnati Public Radio Inc
    4× · 2017–2020 · $9k · revenue +51%

Funded once

  • IG
    Individual grant recipient
    one grant, 2019 · $62k
  • MW
    Media Working Group
    one grant, 2019 · $10k · revenue -13%
  • IG
    Individual grant recipient
    one grant, 2019 · $5k
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Literary Cleveland

Literary Cleveland assists writers and readers at all stages of development, promotes new and existing literature of the highest quality, and advances Northeast Ohio as a vital center of diverse voices and visions.

Education
2
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (CCO) creates intimate, transformative experiences that connect the musically curious.

Arts & Culture
3
The Contemporary Arts Center

The CAC is a lab for understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us through the experience and creation of all contemporary art forms.

Arts & Culture
4
World Affairs Council - Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

The World Affairs Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is the bridge that connects the world to one of America's most vibrant regions. Through Global education, International exchange, and cultural awareness initiatives, the council strengthens…

—
5
Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati museum center inspires people of all ages to learn more about our world through science, regional history, and educational, engaging and meaningful experiences.

Arts & Culture
6
Central Ohio Workers Center Inc

The Central Ohio Worker Center is a non-profit organization that educates, empowers, and advocates for and with low-wage and immigrant workers in Central Ohio.

Civil Rights
7
Art Opportunities Inc

To create community driven public art and launch careers for youth and artists.

Arts & Culture
8
Cintrifuse

To empower Cincinnati entrepreneurs to launch bold, scalable startups; and we work to improve the odds of those startups growing into transformational companies.

Community Improvement
9
The Land Cle

The Land is a local news startup that reports on Clevelands neighborhoods and inner ring suburbs. We deliver in-depth stories that foster accountability, inform the community, and inspire people to take action.

Arts & Culture
10
Digitalc

Empower the people of greater cleveland to achieve success through technology, innovation and connected community.

Community Improvement
11
Cleveland Mediation Center

Our mission is to promote a just and peaceful community by honoring all people, building their capacity to act, and facilitating opportunities for them to engage in conflict constructively. We continue to fulfill our mission by…

Crime & Legal
12
Cincinnati Usa Regional Chamber

To grow the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the cincinnati region.

—
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Cincinnati Museum Association; the most unlike its peers is Marquette University. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

33 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 33 of the 66 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
14
Early backer (in before they grew)
31/33
Grantees still filing
27/33
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

ECONOMICS OF COMPASSION INITIATIVE: $110,844 · OtherECONOMICS OF COMPASSION INITIATIVEIndividual grant recipient: $61,576 · OtherIndividual grant recipientCincinnati Development Fund: $15,000 · OtherOTRCH: $14,610 · OtherIndividual grant recipient: $14,346 · OtherPlanned Parenthood of SW Ohio: $14,000 · OtherCincinnati Union Co-Op: $14,000 · Other+43 more: $47,353 · Other+43 moreElementz: $90,300 · Crime & LegalElementzMedia Working Group: $10,000 · Arts & CultureCincinnati Public Radio Inc: $9,000 · Arts & CulturePOSITIVE FUTURES NETWORK DBA YES MEDIA: $2,000 · Arts & Culture+4 more: $1,850 · Arts & CultureOHIO JUSTICE AND POLICY CENTER: $12,525 · Civil RightsAMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF OHIO FOUNDATION INC: $1,000 · Civil RightsCHARUTAR HEALTH FOUNDATION CORP: $5,000 · Human ServicesCLIFTON TOWN MEETING: $2,175 · Community ImprovementJURISDICTION WIDE RESIDENT ADVISORY: $1,685 · Community ImprovementURBAN APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY COALITION: $1,000 · Community ImprovementMarquette University: $2,000 · EducationAMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND: $1,250 · Education
Other$291,729Crime & Legal$90,300Arts & Culture$22,850Civil Rights$13,525Human Services$5,000Community Improvement$4,860Education$3,250

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$100k$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetElementz: $90,300 over 4y, 5.8% of budgetOHIO JUSTICE AND POLICY CENTER: $12,525 over 3y, 0.4% of budgetMedia Working Group: $10,000 over 1y, 14% of budgetCincinnati Public Radio Inc: $9,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetCHARUTAR HEALTH FOUNDATION CORP: $5,000 over 1y, 6.6% of budgetCINCY STORIES: $4,500 over 2y, 1.9% of budgetPeaslee Neighborhood Center Inc: $4,000 over 2y, 0.5% of budgetCLIFTON TOWN MEETING: $2,175 over 2y, 2.2% of budgetPOSITIVE FUTURES NETWORK DBA YES MEDIA: $2,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetMarquette University: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetJURISDICTION WIDE RESIDENT ADVISORY: $1,685 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetSCHUMACHER CENTER FOR A NEW ECONOMICS INC: $1,500 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetGROTON OPEN SPACE ASSOCIATION INC: $1,500 over 1y, 1.0% of budgetTHE ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY FLORIDA INC: $1,500 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetAMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND: $1,250 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetAMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF OHIO FOUNDATION INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetClifton Cultural Arts Center: $750 over 2y, 1.4% of budgetCARDINAL LAND CONSERVANCY: $750 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetCINCINNATI MUSEUM ASSOCIATION: $600 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGLOBALGIVING FOUNDATION INC: $575 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetFUND FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM INC: $515 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetDENISON PEQUOTSEPOS NATURE CENTER: $500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSEW VALLEY: $400 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetEducation Matters Inc: $400 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNext City Inc: $325 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetProspect House Inc: $300 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetWORLD WILDLIFE FUND INC: $300 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetWOMEN HELPING WOMEN: $256 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetPAYPAL CHARITABLE GIVING FUND: $250 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetUPSPRING: $200 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBespoken Live: $100 over 1y, 0.1% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

The Greater Cincinnat…United Way of Greater…Carol Ann and Ralph V…Sutphin Family Founda…John a Schroth Family…Ruth J & Robert a Con…Louise Taft Semple Fo…Pfau Charitable Found…The Thomas J Emery Me…Ge Aerospace Foundati…Board of Trustees of …Sauerland Foundation
The Greater Cincinnati FoundationOH32.6× affinity15 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The Greater Cincinnati Foundation · United Way of Greater Cincinnati · Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr Foundation · Sutphin Family Foundation Ica · John a Schroth Family Char Tr · Ruth J & Robert a Conway Foundation Inc · Louise Taft Semple Foundation · Pfau Charitable Foundation · The Thomas J Emery Memorial · Ge Aerospace Foundation · Board of Trustees of Woodward High School · Sauerland Foundation

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Ira Block Foundation Inc funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Ira Block Foundation Inc. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 20%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%15%30%45%60%share of the org’s income from government →median 50%
  • Groton Open Space Association Inc: 50% of income from government
  • Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center: 0% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
2get no government money at all
10report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
1rely on government for over half their income
⤢ axis zoomed · 0–60%
typical government reliance, FY20–25
How this is measured
Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.
05Through Plinth

Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

How do I get to Ira Block Foundation Inc?

Find your warmest path to Ira Block Foundation Inc through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 66 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

How this is measured
Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2020, released 2020. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Possibly out of date. A more recent filing (FY2025) is on record and reports $272k of grant expense with no grantee named in the published copy. A private foundation itemizes every grant it makes, so a return carrying none has filed its list as an attachment that the public copy does not include. The figures above are therefore from FY2020, the most recent year this funder’s grantee list reached the public record.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Ira Block’s filings →

More from the funding graph

The unnamed billions
grants reported with no recipient in the public record
The regranting layer
51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
The DAF merry-go-round
$9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
The endowment market
who holds foundation money, and what just moved
The camps
funders cluster by geography, not ideology
By state
where grant money is based, and what stays home