Eligibility & Selection
Requirements, selection criteria, and what makes a strong application.
Eligible Organizations
Eligible
- Nonprofit track: 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscal sponsorshipSocial enterprise track: for-profit organizations with explicit social missionSocial enterprise track: registered B-Corps and benefit corporationsAnnual revenue under $2 million (or pre-revenue for startups)Currently serving at least 50 families/youth annually (or clear plan to reach this within 12 months)Based in or serving U.S. communitiesEarly-stage organizations prioritized (mid-size orgs piloting new tech also eligible)
Not Eligible
- Government agenciesIndividuals without organizational affiliationFor-profit companies without explicit social missionTraditional venture-backed startups prioritizing returns over impactProjects focused solely on research without direct service
We Especially Encourage Organizations with Lived Experience Leadership
We strongly encourage applications from organizations whose leadership shares the lived experience of the people they serve, including those with personal experience in foster care, family preservation systems, or similar challenges.
Research shows that organizations led by people with lived experience bring unique insights, deeper community trust, and more effective solutions. We actively seek these applications and recognize this perspective in our selection process.
Dual-Track Funding: $600K Total
Nonprofit Track
Grant funding via Flourish Fund
Tax-exempt grants • Open source requirements apply
Social Enterprise Track
Operated by Eagle Ventures
Eagle Ventures invests in mission-driven founders from pre-revenue through early traction. Award structure and potential follow-on investment communicated during the application process.
No open-source requirements • No IP restrictions
One Challenge, Two Tracks: Nonprofits apply through Flourish Fund; social enterprises apply through Eagle Ventures. Both tracks share evaluation criteria and celebrate winners together at the final event.
Organizations Over $2M Revenue? Submit a Letter of Inquiry
While this Innovation Challenge focuses on organizations under $2 million in annual revenue, we recognize that established nonprofits often have breakthrough ideas for new technology approaches.
If your organization exceeds the revenue threshold but has an emergent innovation you'd like to pilot, we encourage you to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to explore custom funding through Flourish Fund's standard grant process.
What to Include in Your LOI (2-3 pages maximum)
- Organization Overview: Mission, annual revenue, scale, and geographic reach
- Innovation Description: What emergent idea are you proposing? How does it differ from current programming?
- Technology Component: Specific tools involved, current stage, and how technology enables new model
- Alignment & Impact: Which focus area, target population, expected outcomes
- Pilot Scope: Timeline (12-18 months), budget range, scalability potential
Timeline: LOIs reviewed on rolling basis, typically 4-6 week response time. If invited to submit full proposal, you'll receive custom guidelines. Typical funding range: $50K-$150K.
Selection Criteria
Applications evaluated on five key criteria, 20 points each (100 total)
Innovation
Up to 20 points
- Novel application of digital tools, automation, or data analytics
- Creative use of existing technology for foster care challenges
- Potential to transform traditional service delivery models
- Clear technological differentiation from existing solutions
Impact Potential
Up to 20 points
- Clear target population and number served
- Evidence-based theory of change
- Projected cost per outcome improvements (targeting 30% reduction)
- Potential to reduce foster care entries or improve placement stability
Missional Alignment
Up to 20 points
- Whole Family Approach: Solutions strengthen entire families
- Church/Faith Engagement: Partner with faith communities
- Redemptive Orientation: Focus on restoration and healing
- Values-Driven Technology: Human dignity at center
Feasibility
Up to 20 points
- Technical capacity and expertise on team
- Realistic timeline and milestones
- Clear implementation plan with defined phases
- Understanding of data privacy and security requirements
Scalability & Sustainability
Up to 20 points
- Path to serving 500+ families/youth within 2 years
- Open-source commitment and field-building potential
- Revenue model or funding strategy post-grant
- Replication potential in other communities
Who Reviews Your Application?
A diverse panel of up to 12 experts will evaluate all applications on five criteria (Innovation, Impact Potential, Missional Alignment, Feasibility, and Scalability & Sustainability)
Diverse Expertise
Tech experts, foster care leaders, lived experience reps, faith leaders, impact investors
Rigorous Process
Expert evaluation, finalist selection, and live pitch event
Transparent Feedback
Finalists receive detailed feedback and event guidance
Quick Eligibility Check
See if you're eligible in 30 seconds • No sign-up required
Nonprofit grant track only. Social enterprises apply via Eagle Ventures.
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Ready to Apply?
Learn about the application process and timeline.