Meet the Judging Panel
A diverse panel of up to 12 experts representing technology, child welfare, lived experience, and faith communities will review applications and select recipients.
Diverse Perspectives, Rigorous Review
Our judging panel brings together deep expertise across technology, child welfare, community engagement, and impact measurement to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
Expert Evaluation Process
Up to 12 diverse experts collaborate to review applications, select finalists, and recommend awardees based on innovation, impact, and missional alignment
Review Process
Eligibility Screening (Early April)
Staff verify basic eligibility and completeness
Expert Panel Review (April)
Panel scores applications on five criteria (100 points total)
Finalist Selection (Late April)
Top finalists selected from each track and notified
Live Pitch & Awards (May 17)
Top finalists pitch live; winners announced at the final event
Note: Final selection authority rests with Flourish Fund for the nonprofit track and Eagle Ventures for the social enterprise track.
Panel Member Roles
Each judge brings specialized expertise to ensure well-rounded evaluation across innovation, impact, feasibility, and missional alignment.
Technology Expert
Innovation specialist from tech sector with deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital transformation
Areas of Expertise:
- •AI/ML implementation
- •Product development
- •Technology scalability
- •Open-source ecosystems
Foster Care Leader
Executive from established child welfare organization with operational experience in foster care systems
Areas of Expertise:
- •Child welfare best practices
- •Program delivery at scale
- •Foster family retention
- •System navigation
Lived Experience Representative
Former foster youth or foster parent who brings authentic perspective on what families need
Areas of Expertise:
- •Family support needs
- •Youth transitions
- •Cultural competency
- •Trauma-informed care
Faith Community Leader
Church leader actively engaged in family ministries and community-based support networks
Areas of Expertise:
- •Volunteer mobilization
- •Church partnerships
- •Community engagement
- •Holistic family support
Impact Investor
Venture philanthropist with focus on technology-enabled social innovation and sustainability
Areas of Expertise:
- •Financial sustainability
- •Revenue models
- •Scaling strategies
- •Impact measurement
Academic Expert
Researcher specializing in child welfare innovation, evidence-based practice, and evaluation
Areas of Expertise:
- •Research design
- •Evidence standards
- •Outcome measurement
- •Implementation science
Partner Technical Advisor
Technical advisor from a strategic partner with expertise in responsible AI and nonprofit technology
Areas of Expertise:
- •Responsible AI principles
- •Open-source standards
- •Data ethics
- •Technical feasibility
Flourish Fund Board Member
Strategic oversight representative ensuring alignment with Flourish Fund mission and values
Areas of Expertise:
- •Grantmaking strategy
- •Missional alignment
- •Portfolio management
- •Field building
Field Practitioner
Frontline caseworker or program director with daily operational experience serving families
Areas of Expertise:
- •Practical implementation
- •Caseworker needs
- •Family engagement
- •Community resources
Scoring Framework
All applications evaluated on five criteria, 20 points each (100 total)
Innovation
Novel use of technology for foster care challenges
Impact Potential
Clear outcomes, cost reduction targets, evidence-based approach
Missional Alignment
Whole-family focus, faith engagement, redemptive orientation
Feasibility
Technical capacity, realistic timeline, implementation plan
Scalability & Sustainability
Path to 500+ families, open-source commitment, funding strategy
Transparency & Feedback
Finalists receive detailed recommendations and event guidance. All applicants receive status updates once decisions are finalized.
Panel Members
Judges will be announced as confirmations are finalized.
Panel Members Coming Soon
We're recruiting and confirming our expert judging panel. Profiles will be published here ahead of the application launch.
Questions About the Review Process?
We're committed to transparency and fairness. If you have questions about the judging panel or review process, we're here to help.