Richard L & Diane M Block Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,780,573 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: $100 - $305,000
• Geographic Focus: Alaska-based organizations

Contact Details

Website: https://richardlanddianemblockfoundation.org
Mailing Address: 2627 C Street, Suite 130, Anchorage, AK 99503
Application: Online application system available through website

Overview

The Richard L & Diane M Block Foundation was created in the early 2000s by Richard Leonard Block (1937-2021) and Diane Melvina Lazzarino Block (1935-2018), who moved to Alaska from California in 1975. Richard co-founded Alaska National Insurance Company in 1980, which grew from a single card table operation into a multi-state enterprise. The foundation was established to combine the couple's commitment to Christian Science with their passion for supporting the arts and addressing community needs in Alaska. With $33.4 million in assets and annual giving of approximately $1.78 million in 2023, the foundation is governed by a board of trustees including the founders' daughter, Jennifer Green, who serves as Executive Director. The foundation emphasizes a philosophy of addressing root causes of social challenges rather than merely providing temporary relief.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Social Service Grants: $100 - $305,000 (programs addressing root causes of social challenges)
• Arts and Culture: Variable amounts (organizations inspiring intellectual and artistic growth)
• Youth Empowerment: Variable amounts (programs empowering young Alaskans)
• Christian Science Support: Variable amounts (affiliated programs and organizations)
• Application method: Online portal, rolling basis

Priority Areas

• Organizations providing direct services to beneficiaries
• Programs addressing underlying causes of social challenges
• Organizations demonstrating financial responsibility and efficiency
• Projects leveraging grant funds through volunteers, matching, and in-kind contributions
• Alaska-based organizations with at least 5 years continuous operation

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations that redistribute funds to other nonprofits
• Medical services delivery organizations
• Medical or pharmaceutical education and research
• Capital projects for organizations that received capital funding from the foundation within preceding 5 years

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

• Deborah Bellange - Board Chair and Treasurer
• Jennifer D. Green - Executive Director, Trustee, and Secretary (daughter of founders)
• Patrick Block - Trustee
• Juliette Green - Trustee
• Edward McCarty - Trustee
• Mead Treadwell - Trustee
• Amanda Weitman - Trustee and Vice President

Jennifer Green describes herself as "passionate about being a true partner to the organizations the Foundation chooses to support," carrying forward her parents' philanthropic vision.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Visit https://richardlanddianemblockfoundation.org
2. Review the "What We Fund" page to ensure alignment
3. Complete the online grant application
4. Applications are reviewed by Foundation Source for legal compliance
5. Board review follows for grant determination

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization
• Must be based in Alaska for at least 5 years OR have an Alaska branch/program as primary grant beneficiary
• Must have carried out stated mission in Alaska continuously for at least 5 years

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines not publicly disclosed. Rolling application process suggests regular review cycles.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 146 grants in 2023. Application-to-award ratios not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations receiving capital project grants cannot reapply for capital funding for 5 years. General reapplication for operational/program grants appears permitted based on ongoing grantee relationships.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Root Cause Focus: For social service organizations, clearly articulate how programs address systemic issues, not just provide temporary relief. The foundation explicitly requires addressing "the causes of the needs they are serving."

Show Direct Service Delivery: The foundation prioritizes organizations providing direct services to beneficiaries. Clearly describe how your organization directly serves your target population.

Emphasize Efficiency and Leverage: Demonstrate financial responsibility, efficient service delivery, and how grant funds will be leveraged through volunteers, in-kind contributions, matching funds, or other means.

Recent Funded Examples (Fall 2024):

• Family Promise Juneau: Operational support for ending child homelessness
• Bethel Community Services Foundation: Food Bank and Pantry Program
• Capital Civic Center: $250,000 with 3:1 match requirement for new facility construction

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Root causes matter most: Your application must clearly articulate systemic change, not band-aid solutions
• Five-year Alaska track record is mandatory: This is a committed Alaska funder supporting established Alaska organizations
• Direct service is prioritized: The foundation wants to fund service providers, not intermediaries
• Median grant is $20,000: While larger grants are possible, budget requests accordingly
• Leverage and efficiency are valued: Demonstrate how you maximize every dollar through partnerships and matching
• Multi-year relationships appear possible: Successful organizations may receive multiple rounds of support
• Consider challenge grant structures: The foundation uses matching requirements to leverage resources

References

• Richard L & Diane M Block Foundation official website: https://richardlanddianemblockfoundation.org (accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, EIN 30-6136901: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/306136901 (accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/richard-l-and-diane-m-block-foundation,306136901/ (accessed February 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Profile: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/306136901-richard-l-and-diane-m-block-foundation-tr/ (accessed February 2026)
• Capital Civic Center announcement (September 2024): https://www.capitalciviccenter.org/2024/09/05/capital-civic-center-receives-250000-from-the-richard-l-and-diane-m-block-foundation/
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2023), filed August 29, 2024