What are block grants primarily characterized by?

Block grants are primarily characterized by being used for specific activities without stringent conditions. These grants are provided by the federal government to state or local governments, allowing considerable flexibility in how the funds are allocated and used. While they are designated for particular purposes or programs—such as education, public health, or community development—block grants do not impose the same level of detailed requirements that categorical grants typically do. This relative lack of restrictions enables recipients to tailor the funding to better meet their local needs and priorities.

In contrast, other forms of grants, like categorical grants, often come with strict guidelines on how the money can be spent, which limits the discretion of the receiving entities. Block grants encourage innovation and responsiveness to local conditions, aligning with the federalist principle of giving states the ability to govern more effectively at the local level.