Resources & FAQ
Comprehensive answers to your questions about the Flourish Innovation Challenge
Eligibility & Requirements
Can we apply if our annual revenue exceeds $2M?
No, organizations must have annual revenue under $2 million (or be pre-revenue for startups) to be eligible for the Innovation Challenge. However, larger nonprofits with emergent innovation ideas can submit a Letter of Inquiry to explore custom funding through Flourish Fund's standard grant process.
Can religious organizations apply?
Yes! Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply. We value church engagement and faith-driven innovation as a key part of our missional alignment criteria. Many of the most effective family preservation and foster care programs are rooted in faith communities.
Do we need to have a working technology solution already?
No. You can be at any stage of development—from concept to prototype to pilot to scaling. However, you should have a clear, realistic plan for technology implementation with your grant funding. What matters most is the innovation of your approach and your capacity to execute.
Can social enterprises apply?
Yes! This is a dual-track $600K challenge. For-profit social enterprises with explicit social mission apply through Eagle Ventures for the social enterprise funding pool. This includes B-Corps, benefit corporations, and mission-driven startups. The social enterprise track is operated by Eagle Ventures.
What's the difference between the nonprofit and social enterprise tracks?
Nonprofits apply through Flourish Fund for grant funding from the $500K nonprofit pool (award tiers announced before finalist notifications). Social enterprises apply through Eagle Ventures for the $100K social enterprise pool; Eagle Ventures communicates award structure and any additional support. Both tracks celebrate winners together at the May 17 final event. Traditional venture-backed startups prioritizing returns over impact are not eligible.
What if we're fiscally sponsored rather than a 501(c)(3)?
Organizations with fiscal sponsorship are eligible. You'll need to provide documentation of your fiscal sponsorship arrangement as part of your application.
Do we need to be currently serving families to apply?
Yes, you must be currently serving at least 50 families or youth annually. This requirement ensures you have operational experience and infrastructure to scale with grant funding.
Do you prioritize organizations with lived experience leadership?
Yes! We especially 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.
Technology & Open Source
What does the open-source requirement mean?
For nonprofits: All grant-funded innovations must be open source (Apache 2.0 license, CC-BY-4.0 materials). For social enterprises: Open-source requirements do not apply; Eagle Ventures will share any learning expectations directly with applicants.
What if our technology has proprietary elements from before the grant?
Only grant-funded innovations need to be open source. Pre-existing proprietary technology can remain private. You'll need to clearly delineate what portions were developed with grant funds.
Do we need technical staff on our team?
You need at least one staff member with basic technology proficiency, but you don't need to be a tech organization. Part of your grant can fund technical assistance and consulting. We're looking for innovative approaches, and you can partner with technical experts to build capacity.
Can we use grant funds to purchase equipment or software?
Yes! Technology investment funds (40-50% of grant) can be used for equipment purchases with no cap, software licenses, cloud hosting, data security infrastructure, and other technology needs.
What about data privacy and security for vulnerable populations?
Your application must include a data privacy and security plan. We'll provide templates and resources, and connect you with pro bono legal support if needed. This is critical given the sensitive nature of working with foster care populations.
Funding Structure & Awards
What are the award amounts?
$600K total across two tracks. Nonprofit track (Flourish Fund grants): $500K pool with multiple awards; final tiers announced before finalist notifications. Social enterprise track (Eagle Ventures): $100K prize pool; Eagle Ventures will share award structure details with applicants. All awards cover the 18-month implementation period.
How flexible is the funding?
Nonprofits: Grants include flexible funding that can be used for any organizational need—staff, overhead, capacity building, reserves, etc. No overhead cap. For-profits: Eagle Ventures will share funding structure and any terms directly with applicants.
Can I apply for a specific award tier?
No, there's one application for all tiers in both tracks. The selection panel determines award levels based on application strength, feasibility, capacity, and fit. All applicants compete for top prizes.
What expenses are allowed under the technology innovation portion?
Technology development and testing, staff time for implementation and training, professional development in AI/tech, data security infrastructure, user research and testing, evaluation systems, direct service delivery costs related to innovation, equipment purchases (any amount), and technical assistance/consulting.
Can grant funds cover indirect costs?
Yes. The flexible portion can cover any organizational costs, and the technology portion can include staff time, which naturally includes associated indirect costs.
Selection Process
How are applications evaluated?
Applications go through eligibility screening, then a diverse expert panel scores eligible submissions. Finalists are selected in late April and may be invited to pitch live at the final event.
Who makes the final selection decision?
For the nonprofit track, final selection authority rests with Flourish Fund. For the social enterprise track, final selection authority rests with Eagle Ventures. Both tracks use shared judges and aligned criteria for innovation and impact.
Will we receive feedback?
Finalists receive detailed feedback and event guidance. All applicants receive status updates once decisions are finalized.
Can we reapply in future rounds?
Yes. Whether selected or not, we encourage applicants to reapply in future rounds as the challenge evolves.
Success Criteria & Expectations
What does 'cost per outcome' mean?
Cost per outcome measures how much it costs to achieve a specific result (e.g., cost per family kept together, cost per stable foster placement maintained for 12 months). We're targeting a 30% reduction through technology efficiency. If you don't currently track this, we'll help you establish a baseline.
How many families/youth do we need to serve?
You must currently be serving at least 50 families/youth annually to be eligible. In your proposal, you should project serving at least 500+ families/youth within 2 years as part of the scalability criteria.
What are the reporting requirements?
Light-touch reporting focused on learning. We ask for periodic progress updates and a final summary so we can share what works and what doesn't. Detailed guidance will be provided after awards are announced.
What is expected of awardees during the 18-month period?
Awardees should share periodic progress updates and participate in light-touch evaluation so we can learn what works. Detailed reporting guidance will be provided after awards are announced.
What happens if our approach isn't working?
We embrace learning and iteration. If your approach needs pivoting, we want to know early so we can provide support. The flexible funding structure specifically allows for strategic pivots. Our reporting philosophy is to learn with you, not monitor you.
Timeline & Process
When do applications open and close?
Applications open March 1, 2026 and close March 31, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. This gives you one month to prepare and submit. We recommend starting early and using the self-assessment tool first.
When will winners be announced?
Finalists will be notified in early May 2026. Winners will be announced at the live pitch event on May 17, 2026.
Are there information sessions?
Yes! Virtual information sessions will be held in early March for both nonprofit and social enterprise tracks. Office hours will be available mid-March. Check the timeline page for specific dates as they are confirmed.
When do grant funds get disbursed?
Initial disbursements will occur on June 1, 2026, after grant agreements are finalized. Disbursement schedule will be determined based on your implementation timeline and organizational capacity.
Strategic Focus & Missional Alignment
Do we have to fit perfectly into one of the three focus areas?
Your solution should align with at least one of the three strategic focus areas (Preventing Family Separation, Supporting Foster Families, or Preparing Youth for Success), but it can span multiple areas. What matters is clear connection to our mission of family flourishing.
What does 'whole family approach' mean?
Solutions should strengthen entire families, not just children in isolation. This might mean serving parents and children together, connecting families to community supports, or preventing separation in the first place rather than only responding after removal.
We're not a faith-based organization. Can we still apply?
Absolutely! While faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, secular organizations are equally eligible. 'Missional alignment' includes factors beyond faith engagement: whole family approach, redemptive orientation, collaborative spirit, and human dignity-centered technology.
What if our solution serves multiple populations beyond foster care?
That's fine, as long as your proposal clearly articulates how it addresses foster care and family preservation. Many effective solutions have broader applications. The grant funds should be used primarily for the foster care application.
We're Here to Support You
Have questions about eligibility, the application process, or what makes a strong proposal? Our team is ready to help you succeed.
Additional Resources
Tools and materials to help you prepare a strong application
Readiness Self-Assessment
Complete our 10-question tool to determine if your organization is ready for this challenge.
Take Assessment →Application Preview
Review the complete application before you start so you can gather necessary information.
View Process →Info Sessions & Office Hours
Join virtual sessions to ask questions and learn more about the challenge.
See Schedule →Open Source Guidelines
Learn about the open-source requirements and how to release code under Apache 2.0.
View Guidelines →Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Attend an info session, join office hours, or contact us directly.