Why This Challenge Matters
The landscape and the opportunity
2
Challenge Overview
Structure, funding, and focus areas
3
What Makes a Strong Application
Criteria and characteristics
4
Eligibility & How to Apply
Requirements, timeline, and logistics
5
What to Expect if Selected
Finalist process and the live event
6
Live Q&A
Your questions answered
Why This Challenge Matters
The Foster Care Landscape
329,000
children currently in foster care
20,000+
youth age out each year without a family
50%
of foster families do not continue beyond 12 months
The opportunity for innovation has never been greater.
Our Vision
Ecosystems of care—where technology, community, and the Church work together to strengthen families and protect children.
Technology
Scalable tools that improve matching, streamline services, and support data-driven decisions
Community
Innovative models that wrap support around families before crisis, during care, and after reunification
Faith & Church
Mobilizing congregations and faith communities as the backbone of sustainable, local ecosystems of care
Challenge Structure
$800K in Total Funding
Nonprofit Track
$700K
Grants for nonprofits building innovative solutions for children and families connected to foster care
Social Enterprise Track
$100K
Equity investment via Eagle Venture Fund for for-profit innovators with scalable models
Selected organizations receive:
Funding — Direct financial support to accelerate your work
Visibility — National platform and recognition through our network
Community — Connection with a cohort of innovators and funders in the space
Award Details
Prize Structure
Nonprofit Track — $700K
1st Place (x4)
$100,000 each
Runner-Up (x4)
$50,000 each
Audience Choice (x2)
$50,000 each
Social Enterprise Track — $100K
Equity Investment
$100,000
Via Eagle Venture Fund
Audience Choice Awards — Voted on by attendees at the live event. Only the 4 first-place winners are eligible for Audience Choice awards.
Focus Area 1
Preventing Family Separation
Most children enter foster care not because of abuse, but because their families needed help we didn't provide. We're seeking solutions that intervene before a family reaches crisis.
Family preservation and early intervention tools
Technology that connects families to resources before removal
"No wrong door" networks of community-based support
Solutions addressing housing, substance use, or poverty-related risk
76%of foster care entries are for "neglect"—often meaning poverty
Focus Area 2
Supporting Foster Families
Foster families are burning out because they're isolated. When communities wrap around them with support, retention jumps dramatically. We need models that build that support infrastructure.
Foster family recruitment, matching, and retention tools
Community-based support models (church, neighborhood, etc.)
Kinship care navigation and family-finding technology
Respite, training, and ongoing support platforms
90%retention with community support vs. 50% national average
Focus Area 3
Preparing Youth for Success
Over 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year facing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health crises. We need innovative solutions that help them build a future.
Transition and independent living support models or platforms
Mental health and trauma-informed models or digital tools
Mentorship matching and relationship-building technology
Education, employment, and housing navigation
1 in 4youth who age out experience homelessness within 4 years
What We're Looking For
Evaluation Criteria
1
Problem
Clear definition of the problem and target population
2
Solution
Compelling, practical approach with clear logic
3
Innovation
Technology and/or model innovation that advances the field
4
Impact
Evidence of potential for measurable outcomes
5
Feasibility
Strong team and realistic plan for execution
This is not about a polished pitch deck. It's about substance.
Going Deeper
Characteristics of Strong Applications
•
Clear Problem Definition
You know exactly who you serve, what the problem is, and why current solutions fall short
•
Compelling & Practical Solution
Your approach is grounded in reality—not just a vision, but a workable plan
•
Genuine Innovation
Technology, a new model, or a creative combination that moves beyond the status quo
•
Evidence of Impact
Pilot data, early outcomes, testimonials, or a credible theory of change
•
Team Readiness
Demonstrated capacity, relevant experience, and a realistic execution plan
•
Scalability
A model that can grow beyond one geography or one population
Application Details
Eligibility & How to Apply
Who Is Eligible
Nonprofits — 501(c)(3) organizations serving or planning to serve children and families connected to foster care
Social Enterprises — For-profit companies with scalable technology or models in the foster care space
U.S.-based or primarily serving U.S. populations
Any stage—early to growth—with demonstrated commitment to the population
Application Components
Organization overview and mission
Problem statement and target population
Solution description and innovation approach
Evidence of impact or potential
Team and leadership information
Budget and use of funds
Apply online at:
challenge.flourishfund.org
Key Dates
Timeline & What to Expect
Mar 16
Applications Open
Apr 16
Applications Close
May 4
Semi-Finalist Notifications
May 5–8
Finalist Interviews
May 17
Live Event Napa, CA
Applications are open now through April 16.
The Live Event
Winners present their work to our judging panel, funders, and a live audience in Napa, California.
Present
Share your work with 14 judges across philanthropy, venture capital, technology, and social impact
Connect
Network with funders, innovators, and leaders who are deeply committed to this space
Win
Winners present live—including an Audience Choice award voted on by attendees
Apply Today
Who Should Apply
Nonprofit leaders, technologists, and social entrepreneurs building solutions for children and families in foster care
How to Apply
Visit challenge.flourishfund.org, create an account, and complete your application online
Deadline
Applications close April 16, 2026. Don't wait—start your application today.
