The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation is a private foundation in Winnetka, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $55,000 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $10,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$55,000
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$678,598
- New grantees65%
Giving in 2025 was up from $47,000 the year before.
65% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $47,000 | 19 | $620,837 |
| 2024 | $47,000 | 19 | $666,388 |
| 2025 | $55,000 | 20 | $678,598 |
How to apply
The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 20 | $55,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago | General support | $10,000 |
| AIDS Foundation of Chicago | General support | $5,000 |
| Northwestern University - the Block Museum Leadership Circle | General support | $5,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | General support | $4,500 |
| Ravinia Festival Association | General support | $3,500 |
| North Shore Senior Center | General support | $3,000 |
| Roosevelt University | General support | $3,000 |
| The Art Institute of Chicago | General support | $3,000 |
| Field Museum of Natural History | General support | $2,500 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | General support | $2,500 |
| The Museum of Science & Industry | General support | $2,500 |
| American Jewish Committee | General support | $2,000 |
| Chicago Horticultural Society (DBA - Chicago Botanic Garden) | General support | $2,000 |
| Chicago Commons Association | General support | $1,000 |
| Chicago Historical Society | General support | $1,000 |
| Chicago Public Media Inc (Wbez) | General support | $1,000 |
| Merit School of Music | General support | $1,000 |
| The Ark | General support | $1,000 |
| Window to the World Communications Inc | General support | $1,000 |
| Executive Service Corps United States | General support | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan Rubnitz
Questions people ask
Does The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation give?
$55,000 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan Rubnitz (Trustee).
What does The Lucille & Joseph Block Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, faith communities and education.