The National Foster CareInnovation Challenge
Accelerating human-centered, innovative solutions in foster care and family preservation.
Presented By
An $800K investment in innovators strengthening families across America
Supporting nonprofits and social enterprises building solutions for foster care, family preservation, and youth transitions.
$800K
In Grants
2
Awards Available
2-3 hrs
To Apply
Two Tracks, One Challenge
Nonprofits apply through Flourish Fund. Social enterprises apply through Eagle Freedom Fund II. Both tracks share evaluation criteria and celebrate finalists together at the live event.
Nonprofit Track
Flourish Fund grant application
$700K grant pool for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects. The challenge will award four First Place winners receiving $100,000 each, four Runners-Up receiving $50,000 each, and two Audience Choice Awards of $50,000 each, allowing the broader community to help recognize standout innovations supporting children and families connected to foster care.
Social Enterprise Track
Eagle Freedom Fund II application
$100,000 equity investment in one mission-driven technology company driving measurable improvement in foster care systems.
Apply as For-ProfitWhat We're Looking For
We seek innovative approaches, including technology-enabled tools and community-driven models, that transform how we support vulnerable families and strengthen communities in ways that reflect what matters to the heart of God.
Preventing Family Separation
Innovative solutions that strengthen at-risk families before crisis occurs.
Click to learn moreKinship Care
Innovative tools, services, and collaborative models that strengthen kinship care by supporting caregivers, children, families, child welfare professionals, churches, and community organizations.
Click to learn more
Lived Experience Leadership Matters
We especially encourage applications from organizations led by individuals with lived experience in foster care, kinship care, family preservation, or child and family well-being. Their perspectives bring invaluable insight, helping ensure solutions are rooted in the real needs, strengths, and experiences of children and families.
Our Judging Panel
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of leaders with lived experience, subject matter experts, philanthropic leaders, and community leaders. Together, they will identify innovative solutions with the greatest potential to strengthen children and families in Tarrant County. Winners will be recognized at the live awards event on October 29, 2026.
Sixto Cancel
Founder and CEO
Think of Us
Emily Chapman Richards
President & Executive Director
Show Hope
Scott Hanson
Co-Founder
Allworth Financial
JooYeun Chang
Executive Director
Aviv Foundation
Megan Wheeler
Program Manager
Google.org
Kody Russell
Senior Portfolio Manager
Ballmer Group
Mike Winters
Director of Engineering
META
Wes Lyons
Managing Partner
Eagle Venture Fund
Rosalind Picard
Professor & Co-Founder
MIT Media Lab
Steve Moore
Senior Program Director
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
Tom Baldwin
Professor
Solving the World's Greatest Problems
Jen Alt
Founder & CEO
The SGL Impact Studio
Nathan Aleman
Executive Director
The Younger Family Fund
Michael Allen
Co-Founder & CEO
Together South Florida
Audrey Haque
Technical Staff
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Joel Chakra
COO
The Tebow Group
Supporters & Sponsors
The donors and supporters powering $800K in grants and prizes for foster care innovation.
Lead partner
$700K nonprofit grant pool and platform host.
Eagle Freedom Fund II
Confirmed partner
$100,000 equity investment in for-profit company.
Google.org
Grant supporter
$500K grant funding for the nonprofit track.
Simple Application Process
We've designed this process to be thorough yet respectful of your time. About 2-3 hours total
Innovation Proposal
Your solution & approach (45 min)
Budget & Impact
Financials & outcomes (30 min)
2-Min Video Pitch
Show us your passion (15 min)
