Resources & FAQ
Comprehensive answers to your questions about the National Foster Care Innovation Challenge
Eligibility & Requirements
Can we apply if our annual revenue exceeds $5M?
The Innovation Challenge prioritizes organizations with annual revenue under $5 million (or pre-revenue startups). However, established nonprofits with an emergent innovation they would like to pilot are still welcome to apply through the standard application process and indicate this within the application.
Can religious organizations apply?
Yes. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply. Many of the most effective family preservation and foster care initiatives are rooted in faith communities, and we welcome organizations that mobilize churches and community networks to support vulnerable children and families.
Do we need to have a working technology solution already?
No. Organizations can be at any stage of development, from concept to prototype to pilot to scaling. We welcome innovative approaches including technology-enabled tools and community-driven models. What matters most is the strength of your idea and your capacity to implement it.
Can social enterprises apply?
Yes. The National Foster Care Innovation Challenge is a dual-track $800K challenge. Mission-driven social enterprises apply through Eagle Freedom Fund II for the social enterprise investment. This includes B-Corps, benefit corporations, and mission-driven startups.
What's the difference between the nonprofit and social enterprise tracks?
Nonprofits apply through Flourish Fund for grants from the $700K nonprofit award pool. Awards include: four First Place awards of $100,000, four Runners-Up of $50,000, and two Audience Choice Awards of $50,000 announced at the live event. Social enterprises apply through Eagle Freedom Fund II for a $100K investment. Both tracks celebrate finalists and winners together at the May 17 winner announcement event.
What if we're fiscally sponsored rather than a 501(c)(3)?
Organizations with fiscal sponsorship are eligible. You will need to provide documentation of your fiscal sponsorship arrangement as part of the application.
Do we need to be currently serving families to apply?
Yes. Organizations should currently serve at least 50 families or youth annually, or have a clear plan to reach this scale within the next 12 months.
Do you prioritize organizations with lived experience leadership?
Yes. We strongly encourage applications from organizations whose leadership includes people with lived experience in foster care, family preservation systems, or related challenges.
Technology & Innovation
What does the open-source requirement mean?
For nonprofit grantees, innovations developed with grant funding should be shared openly when possible so the broader field can benefit from what is learned. For social enterprises, open-source requirements do not apply. Eagle Freedom Fund II will communicate any learning expectations directly.
What if our technology has proprietary elements from before the grant?
Pre-existing proprietary technology can remain private. Only innovations developed with challenge funding may need to be shared openly.
Do we need technical staff on our team?
Not necessarily. Organizations should demonstrate the ability to implement their solution, which may include partnerships with technical experts or consultants.
Can we use grant funds to purchase equipment or software?
Yes. Grant funding may support technology development, equipment purchases, software licenses, data infrastructure, implementation costs, and other innovation-related expenses.
What about data privacy and security for vulnerable populations?
Applications should include a thoughtful plan for protecting the privacy and security of the families and youth you serve.
Funding Structure & Awards
What are the award amounts?
The Innovation Challenge totals $800,000 across two tracks. Nonprofit Track (Flourish Fund): four First Place awards of $100,000, four Runners-Up awards of $50,000, and two Audience Choice Awards of $50,000. Social Enterprise Track (Eagle Freedom Fund II): $100,000 investment in a mission-driven company.
How flexible is the funding?
For nonprofits, grant funding is flexible and can be used to support staffing, technology development, and implementation costs associated with the focus area selected. For social enterprises, Eagle Freedom Fund II will share the investment structure and any terms directly with applicants.
Can I apply for a specific award tier?
No. There is a single application. The judging panel determines award levels based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.
Selection Process
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of judges using five evaluation criteria including innovation, impact potential, feasibility, and alignment with the challenge goals. Top applicants advance to finalist interviews before winners are selected.
Who reviews the applications?
Judges include: leaders with lived experience, foster care and family support experts, faith and community leaders, technology and innovation leaders, and philanthropic leaders.
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 Freedom Fund II.
Will we receive feedback?
Finalists receive guidance ahead of the announcement event. All applicants will be notified of their status once decisions are finalized.
Can we reapply in future rounds?
Yes. Organizations are encouraged to apply again as the challenge evolves.
Success Criteria & Expectations
How many families or youth should we serve?
Organizations should currently serve at least 50 families or youth annually, or demonstrate a clear plan to reach this level within 12 months.
What are the reporting requirements?
Reporting is designed to be light-touch and learning-focused. Awardees will provide periodic progress updates and a final summary of results and lessons learned.
What happens if our approach needs to evolve?
Innovation requires learning and iteration. If your approach needs to pivot, we encourage open communication so we can support your progress.
Timeline & Process
When do applications open and close?
Applications open March 18, 2026 and close April 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
When will semi-finalists and winners be selected?
Semi-finalists will be notified on May 4, 2026. Finalist interviews will take place May 5–May 8, 2026. Winners will be notified on May 11, 2026.
When will winners be announced publicly?
Winners will be announced at the live Winner Announcement Event on May 17, 2026.
Are there information sessions?
Yes. A virtual information session will be held on March 31, 2026 to walk through the challenge, eligibility requirements, and application process.
When do grant funds get disbursed?
Initial disbursements will occur July 1, 2026 after grant agreements are finalized.
Strategic Focus & Missional Alignment
Do we have to fit perfectly into one of the three focus areas?
Solutions should align with at least one of the challenge's three focus areas: Preventing Family Separation, Supporting Foster Families, or Preparing Youth for Success. Solutions may span multiple areas.
What does a whole-family approach mean?
Solutions should strengthen entire families, not only children in isolation. This may include prevention, community support, and pathways to long-term stability.
We're not a faith-based organization. Can we still apply?
Yes. While faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, secular organizations are equally eligible. What matters most is alignment with the goal of strengthening families and supporting children connected to foster care.
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.