Areas of Focus

COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation’s grant strategy helps underserved individuals attain financial security through college completion, income growth, and homeownership. The Foundation invests in nonprofits working towards advancements in efficiency, service delivery, and outcomes. In addition, the Foundation seeks to enhance community vibrancy by strengthening major institutions, promoting safety, and improving the quality of life in Kansas City.

Since inception, the Foundation has invested over $200 million in greater Kansas City nonprofit organizations. Marion and Henry’s legacy of serving others continues to enhance our beloved city.

GRANTS FAQ

The Foundation identifies programs and projects that align with its strategy for grant funding. It also accepts funding inquiries from organizations in greater Kansas City.

When does the Foundation accept applications?

Applications are accepted by invitation year-round. An invitation to submit an application is not a guarantee of approval.

What organizations are eligible to receive a grant?

Grants are made only to organizations that are tax-exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) and that are not classified as private foundations within the code. The Foundation does not make grants to businesses or individuals, or to organizations with a pending 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, the Foundation considers only very limited funding for Type II or III supporting organizations. If your organization has this classification, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] before applying.

What organizations are ineligible to receive a grant?

Organizations that are not in compliance with laws and regulations that govern them. Non-Jewish religious organizations whose primary purpose is the promotion of specific religious doctrine, though religious organizations may be eligible to receive funding for activities that are non-sectarian and benefit the larger community. Organizations that discriminate against individuals based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Does the Foundation limit funding to a specific geographic area?

The Foundation considers support for organizations that are based in and serve residents within the greater Kansas City area. The greater Kansas City area is defined as Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri, and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas.

What areas of focus (or cause areas) does the Foundation support?

The Foundation’s areas of focus are:

  • Education for Poor, Disadvantaged, and Underserved Youth
  • Healthcare
  • Jewish Community Organizations
  • Post-Secondary Business and Entrepreneurship Education
  • Social Services
  • Visual and Performing Arts

Due to the founders’ lifetime commitments to the following organizations, special consideration is given to these Foundation-designated Legacy Organizations:

  • Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City (Plaza location)

What activities does the Foundation support?

Foundation grants support programs and projects that help organizations improve or expand services, gain operational efficiency, and achieve greater outcomes for underserved individuals, families, and communities. Grants for capital projects are limited.

What activities does the Foundation not support?

Except in the rarest of circumstances, the Foundation does not make grants to support:

  • Existing or ongoing programs and general organizational operating expenses
  • Sponsorships and/or special events such as galas, conferences, luncheons, performances, festivals, awards dinners, etc.
  • Past operating deficits or debt reduction
  • Single-disease causes
  • Animal-related causes
  • Sports-related causes
  • Political activities
  • Publications
  • Historic preservation

How and when are grant decisions made?

Foundation staff present recommendations to the Board of Directors and award decisions are made at quarterly meetings held in March, June, September, and December. Notifications of award decisions are made within a few days following the meeting.

What is the typical amount and duration of grant awards?

There are no fixed minimum or maximum amounts, though most grants fall in the range of $150,000 to $500,000. The Foundation makes both one-year and multi-year grant awards. The grant recipient is responsible for providing accurate information and ensuring the grant is used for the charitable purpose indicated in the grant request unless otherwise authorized by the Foundation.

The Foundation’s sister organization, The H & R Block Foundation generally makes grant awards under $150,000. Grants may be funded by either Foundation, as determined by Foundation staff.

Funding Inquiries

The Foundation identifies programs and projects that align with its strategy for grant funding. It also accepts funding inquiries from organizations in greater Kansas City through the following process:

1. Organizations are encouraged to review the information on this page. After doing so, if you believe your organization and funding inquiry meet the above criteria, please complete this short questionnaire.

This questionnaire is not a grant application; rather, it allows organizations the opportunity to make a funding inquiry to the Foundation. Organizations may also contact us to obtain a copy of the questionnaire. Due to high volume, Foundation staff are unable to meet with organizations prior to submitting the questionnaire. By contacting the Foundation, the organization agrees to receive correspondence via email, phone, SMS, and/or site visit.

2. Submitted questionnaires are reviewed by Foundation staff typically within two weeks of receipt.

3. Foundation staff will then follow up with the organization. If the funding inquiry aligns with the Foundation’s strategy, the organization may be invited to meet with Foundation staff or to apply for a grant.

Due to the high volume of questionnaires submitted, many organizations that meet some of the above criteria are not invited to apply for a grant. Determination is based on an assessment of the funding inquiry’s fit with the Foundation’s grant strategy and available resources. Organizations invited to apply for a grant will be provided with further instructions. An invitation to apply for a grant is not a guarantee of an award.