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The Block Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Block Foundation

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.

$389k
Granted FY2025still arriving
32
Grants FY2025still arriving
8
States reached
$55k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2025.

Education$963kArts & Culture$338kHealth$214kFood & Nutrition$203kYouth Development$195kHuman Services$125kEnvironment$98kEmployment$75kOther$0
02FY2025 · 32 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • Under $10k15 grants · $71k
  • $10k–50k15 grants · $213k
  • $50k–250k2 grants · $106k
$10,000
Median grant
8
States reached
$7.7M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
AQUINAS COLLEGE$55,000
DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL$50,500
MASONRY INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN$47,500
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY$25,000
ALTERNATIVES FOR GIRLS$20,000
GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN$10,000
KIDNEY CANCER ASSOCIATION$10,000
MASONRY FOUNDATION$10,000
THE CHILDREN'S CENTER OF DETROIT$10,000
CAPUCHIN SOUP KITCHEN$10,000
FORGOTTEN HARVEST$10,000
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN$10,000
Individual grant recipient$10,000
COLORECTAL CANCER ALLIANCE$10,000
FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE$10,000
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:

Its human-services grants (FY20–25, $28k) land where the poverty rate runs at 8%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 0% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants skew toward lower-need ZIPs.

area typical 11%LIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $10k → 8%LIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $5k → 8%LIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $5k → 8%LIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $3k → 8%LIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $3k → 8%LIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $3k → 8%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
IL
MI
NY
CA
CO
NM
DC
LA
TX
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.

96%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$2.1M · 32 repeat orgs$88k to everyone else

32 repeat relationships: 28 still active in FY2025, 4 since wound down; 3 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

32
5

Total granted

$2.1M
$76k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+8%
+31%

Still filing today

56%
40%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 97% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $13k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

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

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
HealthEducationFood & NutritionEnvironmentHousing & ShelterHuman ServicesOther
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

  • ALTERNATIVES FOR GIRLS
    9× · 2017–2025 · $130k · revenue +150%
  • FO
    FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE
    7× · 2019–2025 · $76k · revenue +161%
  • CC
    CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
    6× · 2020–2025 · $50k · revenue +27%

Funded once

  • TM
    THE MASONRY SOCIETYgraduated
    one grant, 2022 · $38k · revenue +31%
  • CH
    CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL INC
    one grant, 2017 · $25k
  • SF
    SANTA FE INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUALITY
    one grant, 2017 · $10k
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
Michigan Chamber of Commerce

To promote conditions favorable to job creation and business success in michigan.

—
2
Michigan State University College of Law

The mission of the michigan state university college of law is to provide a rigorous educational program which prepares a diverse community of students to be national and international leaders in private legal practice, business and…

—
3
Business Leaders for Michigan

Business leaders for michigan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide organization driven by ceos from the state's leading employers, all working toward a shared goal: making michigan a top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy.…

—
4
Business Leaders for Michigan Foundation

Business leaders for michigan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide organization driven by ceos from the state's leading employers, all working toward a shared goal: making michigan a top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy.…

Community Improvement
5
Minnesota Medical Association

To be the leading voice of medicine to make minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.

—
6
Detroit Regional Chamber

The chamber is the voice for business and works to power the economy for southeast michigan through public policy, advocacy and leading regional economic development and talent initiatives.

—
7
Michigan Farm Bureau

Michigan farm bureau (mfb) is a member directed agricultural organization whose purpose is to represent, protect, and enhance the business, economic, social, and educational interests of our members located throughout the state of michigan.

—
8
Michigan Science Center

The mission of the michigan science center is to inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment.

Education
9
Michigan Biotechnology Institute

Bridging the gap between early-stage innovation and commercial application. partnering to de-risk, develop and scale-up discoveries into commercially-viable technology packages.

Education
10
Michigan Farmers Market Association

Mifma supports the viability of all community-driven marketplaces so that they can connect all consumers to local farms and businesses.

Food & Nutrition
11
Boston Architectural College

The bac is committed to provide excellence in design education grounded in practice and accessible to diverse communities.

—
12
Jewelers of America Inc

Jewelers of america, the most trusted and influential voice of the jewelry industry, empowers and unites its members through expert guidance and advocacy, driving excellence, integrity, and success in an ever-changing marketplace.

—
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Alternatives for Girls; the most unlike its peers is Dbt-Linehan Board of Certification. 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

22 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. 22 of the 41 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.

1
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
6
Early backer (in before they grew)
22/22
Grantees still filing
11/22
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: $400,500 · OtherDETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOLMASONRY INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN INC: $302,500 · OtherMASONRY INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN INCNEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY: $225,000 · OtherNEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITYMICHIGAN INSTITUTE OF MASONRY: $104,333 · OtherMICHIGAN INSTITUTE OF MASONRYOUR LADY OF VICTORY: $57,500 · OtherCAPUCHIN SOUP KITCHEN: $52,500 · Other+19 more: $390,500 · Other+19 moreTHE MASONRY FOUNDATION: $90,000 · EducationTHE MASONRY…Aquinas College: $70,000 · EducationAquinas Col…THE MASONRY SOCIETY: $37,500 · EducationTHE MASONRY…ALBION COLLEGE: $20,000 · EducationALBION COLL…ALTERNATIVES FOR GIRLS: $130,000 · Housing & ShelterTHE LENNON CENTER: $42,500 · HealthTHE KIDNEY CANCER ASSOCIATION: $28,000 · HealthCOLORECTAL CANCER ALLIANCE: $28,000 · HealthLYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION: $17,500 · HealthDetroit Rescue Mission Ministries: $8,000 · Health+1 more: $2,000 · HealthGLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN: $52,500 · Food & NutritionFORGOTTEN HARVEST INC: $47,500 · Food & NutritionFRIENDS OF THE ROUGE: $75,500 · EnvironmentMICHIGAN ENVIROMENTAL COUNCIL: $10,000 · EnvironmentLIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $27,500 · Human Services
Other$1,532,833Education$217,500Housing & Shelter$130,000Health$126,000Food & Nutrition$100,000Environment$85,500Human Services$27,500

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

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetMASONRY INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN INC: $302,500 over 6y, 26% of budgetALTERNATIVES FOR GIRLS: $130,000 over 9y, 0.3% of budgetTHE MASONRY FOUNDATION: $90,000 over 6y, 4.3% of budgetFRIENDS OF THE ROUGE: $75,500 over 7y, 1.2% of budgetAquinas College: $70,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetGLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN: $52,500 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetCATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN: $50,000 over 6y, 0.1% of budgetFORGOTTEN HARVEST INC: $47,500 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetTHE LENNON CENTER: $42,500 over 5y, 3.8% of budgetTHE MASONRY SOCIETY: $37,500 over 1y, 6.5% of budgetTHE ARC LIVINGSTON: $30,000 over 6y, 1.9% of budgetTHE KIDNEY CANCER ASSOCIATION: $28,000 over 3y, 0.3% of budgetCOLORECTAL CANCER ALLIANCE: $28,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetLIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER: $27,500 over 6y, 1.0% of budgetALBION COLLEGE: $20,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetLYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION: $17,500 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetPROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION: $17,500 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetTHE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC: $17,500 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetMICHIGAN ENVIROMENTAL COUNCIL: $10,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetDetroit Rescue Mission Ministries: $8,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetDBT-Linehan Board of Certification: $2,000 over 1y, 1.0% 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.

  • Who funds MASONRY INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN INC ↗
  • Who funds ALTERNATIVES FOR GIRLS ↗
  • Who funds THE MASONRY FOUNDATION ↗
  • Who funds FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE ↗
  • Who funds Aquinas College ↗
  • Who funds GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN ↗
  • Who funds CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN ↗
  • Who funds FORGOTTEN HARVEST INC ↗
  • Who funds THE LENNON CENTER ↗
  • Who funds THE MASONRY SOCIETY ↗
  • Who funds THE ARC LIVINGSTON ↗
  • Who funds THE KIDNEY CANCER ASSOCIATION ↗
  • Who funds COLORECTAL CANCER ALLIANCE ↗
  • Who funds LIVING & LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER ↗
  • Who funds ALBION COLLEGE ↗
  • Who funds LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION ↗
  • Who funds PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION ↗
  • Who funds THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC ↗
  • Who funds MICHIGAN ENVIROMENTAL COUNCIL ↗
  • Who funds Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries ↗
  • Who funds NORTHVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC ↗
  • Who funds DBT-Linehan Board of Certification ↗

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.

DTE Energy FoundationCommunity Foundation …The Pfizer Foundation…Raymond James Charita…Network for GoodMorgan Stanley Global…The Bank of America C…Vanguard Charitable E…American Online Givin…Donor Advised Charita…Fidelity Investments …Amazonsmile Foundation
DTE Energy FoundationMI15.3× affinity5 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: DTE Energy Foundation · Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · The Pfizer Foundation Inc · Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund · Network for Good · Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc · The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc · Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund · Amazonsmile 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 The Block Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Block Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 00%2%8%17%30%funder's share of their income ↑0%13%25%38%50%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    0get no government money at all
    4report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–50%
    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.

    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 41 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 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on 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