The Herb Block Foundation was established with a $50 million endowment from the late Herb Block to support the art of editorial cartooning and charitable and educational programs aligned with the causes he supported during his 72-year career. The Foundation is dedicated to defending basic freedoms, combating discrimination and prejudice, and improving the conditions of the poor and underprivileged.
The "Pathways Out of Poverty" program by The Herb Block Foundation aims to assist young people and adults in obtaining a quality education. The focus is on projects that enhance student achievement and promote the healthy development of young individuals. This involves support for in-school and community-based educational programs, after-school activities, and mentoring initiatives. Particularly, programs aimed at increasing high school graduation rates are encouraged to apply.