H&R Block Foundation Grant Program

The H & R Block Foundation is a charitable organization committed to enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for residents of the greater Kansas City area. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $84 million in various nonprofit organizations, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to community development. The Foundation's strategic priorities focus on helping underserved individuals pursue post-secondary education, improving neighborhood quality of life, enhancing nonprofit operational efficiency, and strengthening community institutions. The Foundation supports projects that directly align with its mission and strategic priorities. It primarily funds initiatives that help underserved, low-income individuals within its geographic focus area. Supported activities are expected to improve, expand, or strengthen the operations of nonprofit organizations, enabling them to achieve greater results. The Foundation emphasizes funding for efforts that enhance an organization's capacity and impact rather than simply maintaining existing programs or operations. Eligibility for funding is limited to organizations that are federally tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and not classified as private foundations. Businesses, individuals, and organizations with pending 501(c)(3) status are ineligible. There are restrictions for Type II or III supporting organizations, which must contact the Foundation directly prior to applying. Ineligible entities also include organizations not compliant with relevant laws and regulations, non-Jewish religious organizations with a primary religious mission, and any organizations practicing discriminatory policies. The Foundation concentrates its funding on organizations that operate within Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri, and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas. Its primary focus areas are arts and culture, education, health and human services, and neighborhood revitalization. The Foundation generally does not support ongoing program operations but rather seeks to fund projects that lead to measurable improvements and organizational growth. To initiate the funding process, organizations must first submit a brief questionnaire to propose their grant idea. This submission is reviewed within approximately two weeks. If the inquiry aligns with the Foundation's strategy, staff may invite the organization to submit a full application or meet for further discussion. Grant decisions are made quarterly in March, June, September, and December, with notifications issued shortly after each meeting. Most grants are awarded for one year and typically do not exceed $150,000, although multi-year grants may be made when appropriate. Reporting requirements are in place to ensure accountability and track outcomes. Organizations may contact the Foundation for more details at info@mhbloch.org.