11 alternatives to Submittable for driving greater social impact
Many organizations leverage Submittable for grant and social impact management, hoping to maximize their impact through streamlining grant management and fostering employee engagement. Given the importance of efficient grant management, having the best software can improve accuracy and allow your organization to have a bigger impact.
However, as your organization grows and scales, you may seek alternatives to Submittable that are more customizable, affordable, or scalable.
Whether you’re looking for dedicated grant management software or all-in-one corporate social responsibility (CSR) software, there are options to consider. This guide shares 11 alternatives to Submittable, what they offer, and who should consider them.
Let’s jump in.
What is Submittable?
Submittable is a platform that helps organizations launch and manage programs across CSR, grant making, and employee engagement. Users can select from various modules, including dedicated employee giving software, volunteer management tools, and impact reporting, as well as dedicated solutions for grant and application management.
With centralized application processes, simplified workflows, and detailed reporting, tools like Submittable can help you run your organization more efficiently and effectively.
Submittable’s grant-making platform covers the full grant management lifecycle, from application intake to final decisions and reporting. Notable features include drag-and-drop form building, real-time collaboration and tracking, and robust reporting.
The CSR platform helps enhance employee engagement through giving and matching campaigns, volunteerism, and community grants. Organizations can tailor offerings to their employees’ interests, with numerous volunteer opportunities spanning all types of nonprofit organizations.
Features:
- Customization: Create and launch unique application forms to capture applicant information, no coding required.
- Collaboration: Allow multiple reviewers to access and assess applications, collaborating in real time with notes and updates.
- Real-time analytics: Dashboards and reports offer insights into program performance and application trends.
Pricing: Contact for pricing
While Submittable can be a great choice for many organizations, it’s not always the best fit. It’s worth considering alternatives to Submittable, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the top options below.
Best alternatives to Submittable overview
When you’re seeking CSR software, there’s a lot to keep in mind, but we’ve got you covered. To start, consider your organization: the size, budget, and anticipated use cases for the software. You want to find something that aligns with all of these, so make sure you have clarity.
In general, you should seek budget-friendly, user-friendly software that can scale as your organization grows and integrate well with other platforms you already use.
You’ll also want to check out reviews, but make sure you look in the right places. Sites like Capterra and G2 are reputable, and we’ve collected scores from each.
CSR systems:
- Bonterra CyberGrants
- Blackbaud
- Benevity
- Salesforce
- Optimy
Grant and scholarship management:
- SurveyMonkey Apply
- Foundant
- OpenWater
- Fluxx
- Evalato
- Zealous
| Alternative software | Best for | Key features |
| Bonterra | All-in-one CSR and grant management | Detailed grant management toolsComprehensive data and reportingEmployee engagement |
| Blackbaud | Blackbaud software users | End-to-end grant managementData and relationship managementReporting and compliance |
| Benevity | Mid-sized companies focused on employee engagement | Employee giving and matchingVolunteeringGamification |
| Salesforce | Large nonprofits | FundraisingProgram managementOutcome management |
| Optimy | Organizations that want a simple, no-frills platform | Grant management Community investment managementCorporate volunteering management |
| SurveyMonkey Apply | High-volume grant management with automation | Branded online application portalsIntegrationsCustomer support |
| Foundant | Foundations | AutomationSimplified application and reviewRisk identification |
| OpenWater | Nontechnical organizations that want a high-tech experience | Grant website builderEmail wizardIntegrations |
| Fluxx | Data visualizations in reports | Robust analytics and intelligenceCloud-based connectivityRelationship management |
| Evalato | Drag-and-drop customization | Drag-and-drop customizationSubmission portalWinner selection |
| Zealous | Smaller organizations on a budget | End-to-end automationUnlimited accessFlexible pricing structure |
1. Bonterra CyberGrants
Best for: All-in-one CSR and grant management
If you’re looking for the best grant management software, Bonterra CyberGrants is an excellent choice. Its automated workflows and customization make this software a great alternative to Submittable.
An all-in-one CSR platform best for corporations or governmental organizations, Bonterra CyberGrants easily integrates grant management and employee engagement, enhancing your social impact.
With Grants Management features, you can easily set up and launch grant programs, then create and monitor budgets as needed. Configure grant applications based on your needs and specifications, and give access and ownership to those who need it for review and decision-making.
You can also set up customized and flexible workflows for approvals and communication. Screening applicants with quizzes and watchlist scanning helps you make decisions and ensure compliance, and data snapshots and dashboards give you exactly the details you need about what’s happening in real time.
You’ve also got everything you need on the employee engagement side, with employee-facing portals, employee giving (whether individual, matching, peer fundraising, or something else), and volunteer activity management. You can automate aspects of each, setting up simple workflows that reduce manual effort.
It’s all scalable and able to integrate with many common systems, equipping you with the power to make an impact.
Features:
- Detailed grant management tools: Get everything you need, from program setup and application configuration to review and selection to communication, all customized to your needs.
- Comprehensive data and reporting: Run impact reports or automated KPI reports, or leverage dashboards for grant workflows, approvals, and submissions.
- Employee engagement: Set up employee giving, matching programs, volunteer opportunities and tracking, and more. You can even build charitable partnerships with many potential nonprofit partners.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
2. Blackbaud Grantmaking
Best for: Blackbaud software users
Blackbaud’s Grantmaking software is an integrated CRM and grant management software that lets you manage relationships, track data, and view trends over time.
Because it integrates smoothly with other Blackbaud nonprofit software, it’s a good fit for those already in the Blackbaud ecosystem. Organizations that need something new can look into the many Blackbaud alternatives.
You can use Blackbaud Grantmaking for the whole grant life cycle, from intaking applications to a central review portal to custom scoring and reporting. And because there’s also a full CRM, you can track relationships with partners and grantees over time, getting a clear view of trends and patterns.
Features:
- End-to-end grant management: Customize workflows, manage applications in a dedicated portal, develop scoring rubrics, and schedule and track payments.
- Data and relationship management: Use the full CRM to keep track of relationships, store important data, and manage entities with unique access and reporting.
- Reporting and compliance: With interactive dashboards, custom reports, and robust audit and compliance tracking, you’ll remain compliant with regulations and laws, including privacy laws, GDPR, and more.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
3. Benevity
Best for: Mid-sized companies focused on employee engagement
Benevity’s Spark platform offers corporate grant making, giving, volunteering, and employee engagement. Spark, Benevity’s employee engagement solution, provides several ways to help your employees give back, raise funds, and build community. By automating tasks like employer matching and volunteer activity tracking, you can run your CSR program more efficiently and make more of an impact.
Plus, robust reporting lets you understand how your employee engagement and other programs are doing in real time with a simple dashboard.
Features:
- Employee giving and matching: Set up automated matching of employee gifts, allow peer matching and “friendraising,” and let employees donate money directly from their paychecks.
- Volunteering: Create company events or virtual volunteer opportunities — or let employees create their own community volunteer opportunities — and use the system to track time and signups.
- Gamification: Employees can compete in challenges that drive impact or fundraising. You can use a pre-built catalog or create your own challenges.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
4. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Best for: Large nonprofits
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud serves nonprofits of any size, letting you manage fundraising, program delivery, and measure and report your impact — in a single platform.
In addition, you can manage all of your stakeholders, fundraising, and outcomes data. It also integrates with the rest of Salesforce’s offerings, making it a great fit for existing Salesforce users or large organizations looking for extensive systems.
Fundraising features let you manage the end-to-end process, from high-touch fundraising to mass market fundraising, as well as the processing of payments.
On the program management side, you can set up services and programs, track enrollment and participation, and gather feedback. Along with program management features, the outcome management tools allow you to assess data to ensure your program has the expected impact.
Features:
- Fundraising: Use the Fundraising Portfolio to manage giving lifecycles, and use the Donor Profile feature to view individual partners and supporters. You can also develop unique segments and handle the entire fundraising process.
- Program management: Keep all of your program and service details in a single place, including enrollment, attendance, and trends. You can gain insight into program participant feedback, program performance, and success metrics.
- Outcome management: Define your target outcomes along with specific indicators to help you measure your progress. With dynamic assessments, you can streamline data collection and analysis.
Ratings:
Pricing: From $60 per user per month
5. Optimy
Best for: Organizations that want a simple, no-frills platform
Optimy helps align your programs across grants, volunteers, and sponsorships in a single system. Because it’s a customizable solution, it works for organizations across industries. You can pay for the features you want and add more, if needed, as you scale.
You can manage and view all of your projects from a centralized dashboard and use features like task management, payment schedules, and an agenda to automate your operations. Plus, customized reports help you track and analyze your impact.
Features:
- Grant management: Make use of the dashboard, automated workflows, task management, reporting, and budget tracking.
- Community investment management: Understand where you can impact your community, then keep track of everything with a dashboard, forms, and workflows. You can also create custom reports to measure your impact.
- Corporate volunteering management: Automate volunteer programs with scheduling and hours tracking, then use custom reports to get real-time views into your impact and achievements.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
6. SurveyMonkey Apply
Best for: High-volume grant management with automation
SurveyMonkey Apply streamlines grant applications, scholarships, and other programs with automated features and reporting that help you make data-driven decisions. With automated workflows for collecting, reviewing, and managing applications, as well as an online portal, you can simplify review, feedback, and decision making.
To start, you can direct grant seekers and grantees to a portal to input their information and stay aware of their status. You can create smart forms to collect all the required information, then collaborate with partners in real time. Dynamic review and evaluation features help you make a decision, and automated reporting lets you stay abreast of all the important data.
Features:
- Branded online application portals: Make it simple to collect, review, and manage applications within the portal, then use automation to streamline the process.
- Integrations: SurveyMonkey Apply can integrate with your existing systems and workflows.
- Customer support: Access tailored training, implementation guidance, and support.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
7. Foundant
Best for: Foundations
Foundant enables foundations to enhance efficiency and further streamline their grant management, donor management, and other operations. Their grant management solution helps organizations leverage automation and simplify the application process for applicants and reviewers.
Real-time tracking and reporting keep you informed about grant money, and the system can proactively flag compliance issues or risks so you can review them right away.
Plus, Foundant focuses on user-friendliness and support, so it’s easy to use and easy to get support if you run into any challenges.
Features:
- Automation: Create automated workflows and build efficiencies throughout the grant-making process — think: eligibility quizzes to determine if an opportunity is a fit, centralized management, and AI-powered summaries for review.
- Simplified application and review: Create tailored forms for applicants to create and submit proposals, and make it easier for reviewers to assess applications.
- Risk identification: Get proactive updates about potential risks or compliance concerns.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
8. OpenWater
Best for: Nontechnical organizations that want a high-tech experience
With OpenWater, you get several features that simplify and centralize grant management from start to finish.
Start by creating a website — no technical expertise required — to enhance credibility and entice applicants. From there, you can build a custom application and portal for submissions, then send reminders and updates to applicants and reviewers so everyone stays in the know about the status of tasks.
Reviewers can log in and see all opportunities in one place. And with comprehensive reporting, you can receive data on your progress and processes, letting you make improvements as needed.
Features:
- Grant website builder: There’s no coding required to create a custom website to build your credibility. You can use the same branding for the application and portal, too.
- Email wizard: Use an intuitive email builder to keep everyone in the loop, whether you want to inform the community about new opportunities, application updates, or decisions.
- Integrations: Access a hub that helps you integrate OpenWater with several common databases, letting you seamlessly manage and transfer data.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
9. Fluxx
Best for: Data visualizations in reports
Fluxx offers a cloud-based, data-focused grant-making solution. Designed specifically by and for grantmakers, the robust dashboards and analytics help you manage the process and make the right decisions based on data.
You can create personalized grantee profiles, leverage automation to eliminate or reduce manual work, and manage relationships with your community.
Fluxx also integrates with plenty of other popular tools, including many pre-built integrations to make it even easier.
Features:
- Robust analytics and intelligence: Leverage the intuitive user interface to create dashboards and reports, then select from a menu of over 7,000 visualizations.
- Cloud-based connectivity: All of your information is centralized and accessible from anywhere, giving you clear visibility into the entire grants lifecycle.
- Relationship management: Keep your community connected to your mission and use data and intelligence to match grantees and programs.
Ratings:
Pricing: Contact for pricing
10. Evalato
Best for: Drag-and-drop customization
Evalato helps you streamline the awards management lifecycle, from launching to judging to measuring results. Use pre-made templates or customize your website and application with drag-and-drop forms.
Make it easy for applicants to submit their information with the FastApply submission portal, then leverage the judging portal to run as many rounds as you need, six voting types, and even optional public voting.
Once you’re ready to make your selections, you can use the PreciseSelect system to ensure you make the right choices. Tag winners and nominees to keep things organized, see results at a glance, and feature selected winners on your website if you choose.
Finally, you can track your progress with data tracking and reporting, picking from various formats (Excel, PDF, etc.) to meet your needs.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop customization: Create your website, application forms, and communication with judges and entrants.
- Submission portal: Make it simple and easy for entrants to register and submit their information.
- Winner selection: Keep track of entrants, nominees, and winners with tags, and leverage PreciseSelect to determine your picks.
Ratings:
Pricing: From €1,900 (US$2,158.87)
11. Zealous
Best for: Smaller organizations on a budget
Zealous is a great option for small or mid-sized organizations looking for a budget-friendly and flexible submission platform. It offers immediate launch capabilities, letting you create and launch your programs without onboarding or pre-launch checks, unlike tools like Submittable, which require an onboarding process.
Everything is unlimited, and you can make use of automation for submissions, payments, judging, and communication. The platform is customizable from form questions to judging categories, and judges benefit from a user-friendly, mobile-friendly interface.
Features:
- End-to-end automation: Automate the important steps from beginning to end, and use real-time progress tracking and flowcharts to stay informed and on track.
- Unlimited access: There’s no limit to how many programs you can run or files and data you can upload.
- Flexible pricing structure: Pay monthly or annually, no commitment required, and don’t pay more for additional programs.
Ratings:
Pricing: Free plan available; paid starts from £119 per month
Choose the best Submittable alternative for your organization
The right CSR software can make a major difference in your organization’s social impact. While Submittable is a strong option, there are plenty of alternatives to Submittable that you should consider. Evaluate your needs, then look out for reasonably priced, user-friendly solutions that enable customization, scale, and automation.
Whether you’re looking for grant management guidance, ways to enhance employee engagement, or simply an all-around way to improve your organization’s impact, Bonterra is an excellent choice.
With an intuitive user experience, powerful reporting and analytics features, and a unified platform that brings together grants, CSR, and more, you’ll find it easier than ever to manage your programs and measure success.
Ready to see how Bonterra can help you elevate your impact? Get started with a demo today.
FAQ
What is Submittable used for?
Submittable is used to manage grants and CSR programs throughout the lifecycle. This includes application collection, review, and reporting.
How much does Submittable cost?
Submittable offers tiered pricing plans that vary based on organizational needs. To get more information, contact Submittable directly.
Is Submittable worth it?
Submittable can be a great option for some organizations to manage grants and CSR initiatives, offering plenty of useful features. However, each organization should evaluate its own needs and budgets, then seek the solution that best meets those requirements.
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