What is a characteristic of block grants?

Block grants are designed to provide state and local governments with a specified amount of funding that can be used for a broad range of services and initiatives, often with fewer restrictions compared to other forms of financial assistance. This flexibility allows recipients to allocate resources according to their specific needs and priorities, which can include education, healthcare, and community development, among others.

The characteristic of allowing more flexible funding usage enables local governments and organizations to tailor their programs to better suit the unique circumstances of their communities, promoting innovation and responsiveness to local concerns. This flexibility is a significant advantage of block grants compared to categorical grants, which typically require funds to be used for specific purposes and have stricter regulations regarding their use.