OpenWater Grant Management

Overview

OpenWater Grant Management brings application intake, evaluation and award administration into one grantmaker-oriented system. It is strongest for organizations running structured programs with multiple review rounds and ongoing reporting needs. Its broad workflow is a real advantage, but recommendation requests have to be handled elsewhere.

Key features

Administrators can build application forms with a drag-and-drop editor, conditional logic and file attachments of any size. That flexibility suits programs with varied requirements, while avoiding a stated file-size ceiling. Reviewers see assigned submissions and enter scores through multi-round workflows, which can support staged evaluation without losing the process inside a single system.

After selection, dashboards track decisions and reports, and fund tracking covers funding amounts, payment dates and program budgets. Reporting and analytics help teams examine program data and monitor outreach and follow-ups. This makes OpenWater more than an intake-and-scoring tool; however, teams that depend on recommendation requests within the application process will need a separate workflow.

OpenWater says it connects with more than 65 AMS, CRM, directory and payment gateway solutions, including iMIS, Salesforce, Higher Logic, Stripe and PayPal. Its stated safeguards include SSO, app encryption, two-factor authentication, CAPTCHA and password-strength requirements, as well as GDPR support options. Integrated payment gateways must be PCI-compliant. Submission landing pages are mobile-responsive, and the app supports administrative and review functions from any device; WCAG compliance is supported.

Implementation includes a dedicated representative. OpenWater says support queries average a 10-minute response and that it guarantees an answer within one business day. The brand launched in 2014 and was acquired by Advanced Solutions International in 2022.

Pricing

OpenWater is paid software with custom pricing based on usage; the subscription is billed on a subscription basis, with a quote tailored to individual needs. There is no published fixed price to compare against a program budget, so organizations should request a quote that reflects their expected usage.

The Custom subscription includes custom application intake, advanced award management, a full grantee portal, and advanced reporting and compliance. That breadth makes it the relevant plan for grantmakers seeking coverage from intake through post-award administration, but the usage-based quote means the cost cannot be judged without an organization-specific proposal.

Platforms

OpenWater supports web and Android. Mobile-responsive submission pages and administrative and review functions available through the app help extend the workflow to mobile devices, while WCAG compliance support matters to organizations planning for accessible participation.

Who it's for

The product is designed for grant administrators at foundations, government agencies, associations and higher education institutions. Its grantmaker focus is important: it organizes staff and reviewer work rather than serving as a grant-recipient-centered tool. It is a better fit for teams that need coordinated review, fund tracking and program reporting than for those whose process relies on in-platform recommendation requests.

Pros and cons

• Connected workflow: Intake, multi-round scoring, award tracking and reporting cover much of a grant program's lifecycle in one platform.
• Flexible submissions: Conditional forms and attachments of any size can accommodate varied application requirements.
• Broad integration reach: More than 65 named integration options across AMS, CRM, directory and payment categories can help connect existing systems.
• Usage-based custom pricing: A tailored subscription can suit differing program needs, but the lack of a fixed price makes early budget comparisons harder.
• No direct recommendation requests: Programs requiring that step in the same system must manage it separately.

Alternatives

Consider NonProfit+ if unlimited users and support for Android, iOS, self-hosted and web platforms are priorities; its pricing is by quote. Bonterra Penelope is another paid option, with Android, iOS, API and web platforms and pricing available on request. Choose CommunityForce if you want to discuss its awards management platform with an expert, as pricing is arranged through a demo or conversation.

Euna Budget offers Enterprise for large and complex jurisdictions, with added configurability, dedicated guidance and strategic support; its Professional plan is described for smaller and simpler needs. SmartyGrants is a paid web alternative with a free trial. Benevity Employee Groups is a paid web product with custom-scoped pricing and no free plan. Foundant CommunitySuite is a paid API and web option priced after Foundant discusses an organization's needs. GrantSolutions is oriented to federal agency partnerships, with fees set out in partner agreements.

For broader comparisons, browse Grant Management Software, Awards Management Software or Event Abstract Management Software.

Verdict

OpenWater is a strong fit for grantmaking teams that want one system for applications, staged reviews, award tracking and program reporting. Its broad workflow and integration reach are the main reasons to choose it; custom usage-based pricing and the lack of in-platform recommendation requests are the main reasons to compare alternatives.