Our Work
Project Selection
Each year, we receive hundreds of applications for Block by Block projects around the world. The Block by Block Project Committee includes renowned experts in public space, urban planning, and architecture as well as activists who work on behalf of the urban poor.
The committee members evaluate proposed projects based on a range of detailed criteria addressing financial sustainability, partner capacity, and suitability for Minecraft as well as project design, accessibility, economic impact, and links to local and global policy. They select a variety of projects incorporating diverse themes including building resilient cities, equity, and peace. The Project Committee also looks for projects that can scale and serve as catalysts, reaching beyond their defined perimeters and becoming integrated in their surrounding environments.
We also make our Block by Block Methodology freely available to help projects that are not selected for funding.
Transforming Lives, Block by Block
To date, Block by Block has activated dozens of projects in more than 55 countries worldwide. Here are just a few examples.
Select Region
Select Theme
- COVID-19
- accessibility
- children and youth
- clean water
- climate change & environmental sustainability
- competition and crowdsourcing
- cultural heritage
- disaster recovery
- economic opportunity
- education and schools
- empowering women and girls
- innovation and technology
- land ownership rights
- micro-interventions
- multigenerational use
- policy change
- post-conflict rehabilitation
- public health
- public safety and security
- public space assessment
- rapid urbanization
- refugees and migrants
- social inclusion and human rights
- sports and recreation
- transportation and infrastructure
We Stand with Ukraine: Block by Block has always stood against all forms of unprovoked violence and conflict against civilians and sovereign states. With this in mind, we note with concern and dismay the Russian Federation’s recent aggression against Ukraine, paying special attention to the harm suffered by civilians, including children. It is a tragedy for Ukraine and for Europe, which now faces a humanitarian crisis with very high numbers of refugees and internally displaced people. We support international assistance to Ukrainians and other nationals seeking sanctuary due to the developments in Ukraine.
In his statement to the European Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of a recent attack on Kyiv’s Freedom Square. He has since declared that all public squares in Ukraine be renamed “Freedom Square.” The targeting of such public spaces is an attack on a basic civic right, which is at the heart of our mission. We will continue our work to provide safe access to quality public spaces for all, and we hope that the citizens of Ukraine may soon reclaim this right.
Block by Block joins Microsoft in solidarity with our Ukrainian partners and the whole Ukrainian population. We have taken the decision that Block by Block project funding may not be utilized in Russia or Belarus, or in projects that in any way include Russian and Belarusian institutions.
War cannot be the answer. We urge an end to the attacks on Ukraine, and to give peace a chance.
Events
The Sustainable Cities in Action Forum in Dubai will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices, ensuring cities around the world are better equipped to thrive in a warmer, more extreme climate. Block by Block Board Chair James Delaney will host a workshop, Co-curating Sustainable Cities with Minecraft, and participate in a panel discussion showcasing the transformative role of tech in solving specific urban climate challenges. More info here.
Each year we run dozens of collaborative Block by Block Workshops and participate in a number of conferences and events worldwide. To request a speaker or panelist at your event or virtual conference, please get in touch.