The Block Family: A Legacy of Impactful Leadership

The Block family’s legacy of civic and philanthropic leadership is deeply woven through both Chicago’s history and the Trust’s. In 1893, the family founded the successful Inland Steel Company, which became a major regional employer known for its generosity to employees and communities alike.

“Chicago has given a lot to my family – opportunity, prosperity and purpose. That kind of gift calls for gratitude – and the best way to show that gratitude is by giving back,” says Margie Block Stineman.

The commitment to give back was passed down to Stineman not through words, but “always through action and example.” Her parents and grandparents devoted their energies to countless civic institutions and nonprofit boards, from Northwestern University to the Chicago History Museum to Family Focus. Today, Stineman is the third generation of her family to serve on the Trust’s Executive Committee (governing board), following in the footsteps of her mother, Judith S. Block, and grandfather, Philip D. Block, Jr.

Upon the passing of Stineman’s parents, she and her brother honored their parents’ wishes by directing a gift to the Margaret S. and Philip D. Block, Jr. Fund. This is an unrestricted endowment fund created by the estates of Stineman’s grandparents to provide evergreen support for the Trust’s general purposes, such as its strategic grantmaking to build wealth and well-being in Chicago’s underinvested communities.

“The Trust knows Chicago’s needs best. Giving an unrestricted gift felt like the perfect way to honor our parents’ belief in this institution that has been and will be so critical to our region for generations to come.”

Margie Block Stineman
Donor