Eligibility & Selection
Requirements, selection criteria, and what makes a strong application.
Eligible Organizations
Eligible
- Nonprofit Track: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored projects
- Social Enterprise Track: For-profit organizations with an explicit social mission, including registered B-Corps and benefit corporations
- Annual Revenue: Under $5 million (or pre-revenue for startups)
- Reach: Currently serving at least 50 families or youth annually, or a clear plan to reach this scale within 12 months
- Geography: Based in or serving communities in the United States
- Stage: Early-stage organizations are prioritized, though mid-size organizations piloting new technology or innovative approaches are also eligible
Not Eligible
- Government agencies
- Individuals without an organizational affiliation
- For-profit companies without an explicit social mission
- Traditional venture-backed startups that prioritize financial returns over social impact
- Projects focused solely on research without direct service or implementation
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: $800K Total
Nonprofit Track
Grant funding via Flourish Fund
Tax-exempt grants • Open source requirements apply
Social Enterprise Track
Operated by Eagle Freedom Fund II
Eagle Freedom Fund II invests in mission-driven founders from pre-revenue through early traction. Investment structure and potential follow-on 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 Freedom Fund II. Both tracks share evaluation criteria and celebrate winners together at the final event.
Organizations Over $5M in Revenue?
This challenge prioritizes organizations under $5 million in total annual revenue, but we recognize that established nonprofits often develop breakthrough innovations for children and families connected to foster care.
If your organization exceeds the revenue threshold but has an emergent innovation you would like to pilot, we encourage you to send us a brief Letter of Interest describing your organization and the innovation. Our team will review it and follow up directly.
Send a Letter of InterestSelection 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
- Innovative collaboration across the foster care ecosystem
- Potential to transform traditional service delivery or support 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, improve placement stability, or strengthen pathways to independence for youth transitioning out of foster care
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?
Applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of experts using five evaluation criteria. Top applicants advance to finalist interviews before winners are announced.
Diverse Expertise
Leaders with lived experience, foster care and family support experts, faith and community leaders, technology experts, and philanthropic leaders
Rigorous Review Process
Applications are scored across five criteria, with the highest-scoring organizations advancing to the finalist interview stage
Transparent Feedback
Finalists receive feedback and guidance ahead of the live event
Quick Eligibility Check
See if you're eligible in 30 seconds • No sign-up required
What type of organization are you?
Ready to Apply?
Learn about the application process and timeline.