OpenWater
OpenWater: A broad platform for managing complex applications, reviews, workflows, funding, and reporting. Ranked #1 of 31 in Application Management Software by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for organizations running complex multi-program applications.
At a glance
- Editor score9.3 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forOrganizations running complex multi-program applications
- Scoring and rubricsYes
- Founded2012 · Alexandria, Virginia, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports grants, scholarships, awards, fellowships, and abstract management
- Combines multi-round reviews, scoring, workflows, reporting, and fund tracking
- Offers REST API access plus CRM, AMS, payment, and directory integrations
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- Broad configuration may be more than a single-program team needs
- AI features are available without further detail on their specific functions
Our verdict on OpenWater
OpenWater is a web-based application and review management platform for associations, foundations, higher education institutions, and other organizations managing structured programs. It brings application forms, applicant portals, reviewer assignment, scoring, communications, reporting, and workflow status management into one system. Its supported program types include grants, scholarships, awards, fellowships, and abstract management, making it suited to organizations coordinating multiple application or review processes.
The platform’s strongest functional area is its coverage across the application lifecycle. Teams can build custom application and submission forms, manage applicant submissions, assign reviewers across multiple rounds, and configure scoring criteria and scorecards. Workflow configuration supports program status management, while automated communications handle applicant and team messages. Reporting, analytics, and data exports extend the platform beyond intake and review, and fund tracking with disbursement monitoring adds a financial administration layer for programs that distribute funding.
OpenWater also fits organizations that need connections to existing systems. Published integrations include iMIS, Salesforce, Higher Logic, Fonteva, Nimble AMS, MemberSuite, YourMembership, ACGI, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetForum, and Zapier. Its REST API supports program administration and data, with web and API access available as platform options. Pricing is contact-sales rather than published by plan, so it is a better fit for organizations prepared to evaluate requirements with the vendor. Choose OpenWater for complex, multi-program application operations that need configurable reviews, workflows, reporting, integrations, and fund tracking; a narrower tool may suit teams with one simple intake process.
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OpenWater pricing
OpenWater fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Scoring and rubrics | Yes |
| Reviewer collaboration | Yes |
| Applicant portal | Yes |
| Workflow automation | Yes |
| Reporting and analytics | Yes |
| Payment collection | Yes |
| Supported programs | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Compliance & security | SSO/SAML |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs, Tickets |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 65+ integrations: iMIS, Salesforce, Higher Logic, Fonteva, Nimble AMS, MemberSuite … |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Website | openwater.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
OpenWater integrations
OpenWater lists 65+ integrations on its own site — the 11 named here are the ones its pages call out.
- iMIS
- Salesforce
- Higher Logic
- Fonteva
- Nimble AMS
- MemberSuite
- YourMembership
- ACGI
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- NetForum
- Zapier
Alternatives to OpenWater
- SubmittableA broad platform for managing applications, reviews, payments, and program funds.9.2
- ReviewrA strong fit for grantmakers that need controlled reviews, scoring and post-award tracking.9.0
- CommunityForceA broad awards platform for organizations managing applications through renewals and reporting.8.9
See all OpenWater alternatives →
OpenWater vs the competition
- OpenWater vs Submittable
- OpenWater vs Reviewr
- OpenWater vs CommunityForce
- OpenWater vs Flexi-Grant
- OpenWater vs RQ Platform
- OpenWater vs Good Grants
Compare OpenWater with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
OpenWater is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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