$1M challenge to accelerate outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care
Belmont University’s Innovation Labs officially launched the Reconstruct Thriving Youth Challenge today, a $1 million initiative designed to find, fund and scale solutions that help young people transition successfully from foster care to adulthood across Tennessee.
The challenge is executed in partnership with Tennessee Department of Children's Services, The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, Every Child TN, Access Ventures and Essential Innovation.
Applications are open now and will close on Jan. 30, 2026.
The initiative addresses a critical need: up to 80% of youth aging out of foster care face homelessness, addiction or incarceration within three years. Belmont is using a venture philanthropy model to invest in nonprofit and for-profit solutions nationwide that can be implemented in Tennessee.
Organizations, founders and youth-led teams with solutions in the following three interconnected areas are encouraged to apply:
- Consistent and Supportive Adult Relationships: Ensuring every young person has at least one reliable adult to provide long-term support through life's transitions and crises.
- Safe, Stable and Affordable Housing: Expanding access to housing options, which is recognized as one of the strongest predictors of post-care stability.
- Accessible Mental Health Care: Creating trauma-informed, continuous and culturally responsive supports that remain relevant beyond age 18 or 21.
Selected teams will receive $100,000 in seed funding and additional support to help scale their solutions.
Key Voices from the Launch:
The launch featured speakers who emphasized the institutional commitment and the urgency of the statewide effort:
“At Belmont, we believe the most pressing challenges call for creative partnerships and courageous leadership. Our commitment to foster care solutions reflects this approach — that strong families build strong communities, and that universities have a unique opportunity to open doors of hope and promote flourishing,” said Dr. Greg Jones, president of Belmont University.
"Young people aging out of foster care are talented, resilient and ambitious. They deserve a launchpad, not a cliff. DCS is excited that this challenge will spark bold new ideas to help every young person in Tennessee thrive,” said Courtney Matthews, director of Independent Living for TN DCS.
“The Reconstruct Thriving Youth Challenge shows what’s possible when evidence and compassion meet. By combining the research strength of Belmont Innovation Labs with the dedication of faith and community partners, the Department of Children's Services and philanthropic leaders, we’re accelerating solutions that address the three essentials every young person deserves: a trusted adult, a safe place to live and real access to mental health support. Tennessee is proving that innovation and community can work hand-in-hand to rewrite the story for youth leaving foster care,” said Lance Villio, executive director with the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative.
“Belmont Innovation Labs brings together leaders across government, business and finance to solve complex problems,” explained Tom Baldwin, innovation director with Belmont Innovations Labs.
“Aging out of foster care does not set you up with the right stability in terms of resources. Oftentimes systems are just to check a box. Housing - check. Job - check. We miss the consistency that young people need. Providing them with that support can be a determining factor in how they’re able to respond as adults,” said Eric Davis, executive director at I am Next.
Learn More about Parties Involved
Belmont Innovation Labs is an applied research and design hub within Belmont University dedicated to developing, testing and scaling innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI) mobilizes Tennessee's Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) to unite with the state government in serving vulnerable Tennesseans. Current GFBCI priorities are Every Child TN, the Volunteer Mentorship Initiative and the Human Flourishing Initiative.
Every Child TN, an initiative led by the TN Department of Children's Services and the Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative, mobilizes all Tennesseans to care for children, youth, and families before, during and after foster care. They do this with the support of agencies, advocates, faith communities and advocates across the state focusing on four priorities: preservation, recruitment, retention and transition.
The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services is the state’s child welfare agency. Through the Bright Futures program, DCS provides young adults transitioning from foster care with wraparound support up to age 23 so they can move into adulthood with stability and choice.
Access Ventures focuses on creating a more inclusive economy through a "blended finance" approach, investing in startups and organizations across different sectors. They aim to align financial returns with social and environmental impact by using "one-pocket" investing, where all assets are managed to reflect core values.
Learn More
Get Involved in the Reconstruct Challenge