Definition for Block grants
From Biology Forums Dictionary
1) Federal grants to the states and local communities that are for general use in a broad area, such as community development. States or local communities have discretion in deciding how to spend the money. Created largely as a response to complaints from state and local governments about the paperwork and requirements attached to most grants.
2) a form of federal aid given directly to the states, which a state or local education agency may spend as it wishes with few limitations.