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Common Grant Application vs SmarterSelect

Both stand on scholarship management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Common Grant Application

Paid Web

Choose Common Grant Application if your organization needs a browser-based system for application intake, evaluation, and grant administration. It offers a range of review controls and applicant use is free. Look elsewhere if your workflow requires DocuSign integration or a general online payment mechanism.

Visit Common Grant Application

SmarterSelect

Free trial APIWeb

SmarterSelect brings application intake, review, automation, reporting, and awards into one service. Its paid plans and tier limits should be checked against program size and integration needs.

Visit SmarterSelect

The facts

Common Grant ApplicationSmarterSelect
Free planNoA free trial
Open sourceNot publishedNot published
Runs onWebAPI, Web
Lowest paid planLow Complexity: $175 a monthCreate: $2,000 a year
Plans published33
MakerNot publishedNot published
Websitecommongrantapplication.comsmarterselect.com
On scholarship management software#11 of 25#7 of 25

Common Grant Application: what it does well

  • Supports online and paper-based applications.
  • Reusable forms cover applications, recommendations, and reports.
  • Reviewer workflows include scoring, ranking, notes, and visibility controls.
  • Payment information can be exported to a spreadsheet.
  • Setup, support, and training are included in listed plans.

What to know first

  • Grantmakers pay at least $175 a month.
  • Each application is limited to two agreements and eight reports.
  • The maker says there is no DocuSign integration or general online payment mechanism.

SmarterSelect: what it does well

  • Responsive forms support attachments
  • Automatic scoring and notification tools
  • Zapier connects over 2,000 applications
  • CSV and PDF exports
  • Applicant portal and reviewer collaboration

What to know first

  • No free plan
  • Plans start at $2,000 / year
  • API access limited to certain tiers
  • Trial limited to ten users

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