What is a block grant designed to provide?

• A. They are restricted to specific programs with tight oversight.
• B. They require extensive reporting and oversight.
• C. They provide organizations with flexibility in running their programs and minimize the bureaucratic aspects of budgeting.
• D. They are typically limited to capital expenditures.

Answer: (C)

Block grants are funds given to recipients with broad purposes, designed to let organizations decide how best to use the money within a general goal. They provide flexibility in running programs and reduce the administrative burden by loosening strict, program-specific rules and extensive budgeting requirements. That combination of broad use and lighter oversight is what makes this type of funding distinct from more tightly controlled grants. The other descriptions describe funding that is narrowly restricted to specific programs, with heavy reporting, or limited to capital expenditures, which is not the typical aim of block grants.