Choosing the Right Awards Management Software: A Complete Guide

What is Awards Management Software?

In today’s public sector landscape, efficiency isn’t just a goal — it’s a necessity. Yet many government departments still manage awards and grants using outdated, manual methods that are slow, error-prone, and often non-compliant.

Awards Management Software offers a smarter alternative. It’s a digital platform designed to automate and streamline the entire awards lifecycle — from application submissions and evaluations to compliance tracking and reporting.

The growing demand for streamlined workflows and transparent decision-making is driving adoption across both public and private sectors. In fact, the global award management software market is projected to grow from USD 821.79 million in 2025 to USD 2,659.79 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 13.94%, according to Precedence Research.

This upward trend reflects a global shift toward digital awards management systems that prioritize efficiency, compliance, and data-driven insights.

Whether you’re overseeing public grants, managing awards or running recognition programs, or managing competitive funding initiatives, an online awards management system brings structure, transparency, and speed to your workflow.

At its core, this software serves as a centralized hub where every stakeholder — from applicants and reviewers to program managers — can collaborate efficiently. It helps reduce administrative burden, eliminates paperwork, and ensures every step follows current regulations.

For government grant managers, IT strategists, and digital transformation consultants, adopting Awards Management Software is more than a tech upgrade. It’s a strategic move toward modernizing public service delivery.

In the next sections, we’ll break down how this software solves critical inefficiencies, improves compliance, and supports smarter, data-driven decision-making for the public sector.

A Digital Solution for Public Sector Awards/Grant Efficiency

Digitizing your awards process is not just about efficiency — it’s about delivering meaningful outcomes. A robust Awards Management Software simplifies everything from submissions and evaluations to reporting and stakeholder communication.

A great example of this transformation is seen in Legoland Malaysia’s success story with Submit.com. By digitizing their application and judging process for educational outreach, they were able to save significant administrative time, reduce errors, and deliver a seamless experience for both staff and applicants.

This is just one example of how public-facing organizations — whether cultural, governmental, or educational — can modernize awards and engagement workflows using the right platform.

Key Benefits of Using Awards Management Platforms

When government teams switch to a digital awards system, they’re not just saving time — they’re unlocking better decisions, greater transparency, and a more accountable process.

Whether you’re managing competitive grants,awards or recognition programs, a purpose-built Awards Management Software gives your organization the structure and tools it needs to scale, comply, and perform — without the manual overload.

Here are some of the core benefits public sector teams experience when adopting the right platform:

The Role of Digital Awards Management in Public Sector Transformation

Digital transformation is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. For public sector organizations managing grants and awards, manual, paper-heavy processes are slowing things down at a time when speed, transparency, and accountability are critical.

Awards Management Software plays a pivotal role in this shift. By digitizing submissions, automating review workflows, and providing real-time data visibility, it streamlines complex operations and reduces administrative overhead.

According to Grand View Research, the global award management software market was valued at USD 721.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%. This growth reflects rising demand for automation, digital tracking, and transparent outcomes across both public and private programs.

Why Traditional Methods Fall Short

Many public sector workflows are still stuck in a world of spreadsheets, email threads, and disconnected systems. These outdated methods create:

• Delays in reviewing applications
• Missed deadlines
• Higher risk of non-compliance
• Poor visibility for internal and external stakeholders

For applicants, this means confusion. For reviewers, chaos. For program managers? Constant backtracking.

Even organizations with longstanding processes are recognizing the limits of “business as usual.”

“A challenge the team at CIPD faced was breaking away from the ‘traditional’ way of doing things and of course in what the entrants expected the process to be! And there was the adage of ‘if it isn’t broken….’ However, after rigorous cost-benefit analysis in terms of both staff resources, financials and user experience the value add of moving to an automated process won out.” — CIPD Ireland Case Study

This shift away from legacy systems toward structured, digital workflows is how award programs are regaining control, efficiency, and trust.

Embracing a Digital-First Mindset

Being digital-first isn’t just about switching platforms — it’s about redesigning processes for agility, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.

• Monitor real-time progress via interactive dashboards
• Automate notifications and approvals to avoid bottlenecks
• Track every action with built-in audit trails
• Evaluate and improve programs using analytics and feedback

This shift fosters a culture of transparency and responsiveness — essential for building trust with stakeholders and continuously improving service delivery.

written by Dee Butler

Addressing Common Inefficiencies in Grant and Awards Management

Managing grants and awards using traditional methods presents numerous challenges. Manual processes, such as data entry and document handling, are time-consuming and prone to human error. These inefficiencies often result in delays, increased overhead, and missed opportunities for impact.

According to the UK government’s Social Fund Account 2022 to 2023, improvements in systems and automation significantly reduced administrative errors and improved accuracy — showcasing the value of digital transformation in award management workflows.

Implementing a robust Awards Management Software can resolve these inefficiencies by automating workflows, enhancing data accuracy, and offering real-time visibility. It creates faster, cleaner, and more accountable processes — from application to audit.

Eliminating Manual Errors and Delays

Explore all Awards Management Features →

Manual award management methods — like spreadsheets and email threads — often introduce friction and human error into already complex processes. These outdated systems lead to:

• Data entry mistakes
• Lost or misfiled applications
• Delayed approvals and follow-ups
• Frustrated applicants and overwhelmed administrators

A modern Awards Management Software eliminates these bottlenecks. By automating intake, review workflows, and notifications, it drastically improves accuracy while saving valuable time for your team.

Enhancing Compliance and Visibility

See how Submit.com supports compliance and reporting →

Manual processes make tracking and compliance a challenge — which is risky in any public sector context. Without consistent documentation and audit trails, agencies expose themselves to regulatory failure and funding delays.

Awards Management Software changes that by offering:

• Real-time dashboards for progress monitoring
• Automated reminders to meet compliance deadlines
• Full audit logs of every action taken across a program
• Centralized visibility for reviewers, administrators, and auditors

Increased visibility doesn’t just support compliance — it builds trust with stakeholders, funders, and applicants alike.

SWOT: Should You Go Digital?

Here’s a quick view of the strengths, risks, and opportunities when moving from manual to digital awards management:

Features to Look for in an Effective Awards Management System

Choosing the right Awards Management Software starts with the right features. Public sector teams need tools that reduce admin, ensure compliance, and deliver real-time insight — all while being easy to use.

Workflow Automation and Centralized Dashboards

Manual admin tasks slow everything down. From assigning reviewers to sending reminders, the more you automate, the more time you free up.

Submit.com’s phase-based builder lets you create stage-by-stage workflows like “First Round Submissions” and “Shortlisted Candidates” — helping teams structure complex processes with zero chaos.

Submit.com’s backend allows users to build and track each awards phase, from application to final selection — all in one place.

Secure Data Storage and Access Controls

Security isn’t just about locking data — it’s about managing access smartly. A secure platform like Submit.com includes role-based permissions, encrypted data storage, and a full audit trail for every action taken.

“Before switching to Submit, we had spreadsheets flying across teams. Now, data access is secure, permissions are cleanly managed, and we can track every action with confidence.”

— Submit.com client, Public Sector Awards Program

Real-Time Tracking and Analytics

Explore how Submit.com handles reporting and metrics →

You can’t improve what you can’t measure. From submission stats to reviewer performance, analytics should give your team clarity and control at every stage.

Compliance, Security, and Audit Readiness

Ensuring compliance and robust security is no longer optional — it’s essential. As award management programs grow more complex and data threats more sophisticated, public sector teams need platforms that do more than collect applications. They must protect them, track them, and keep them audit-ready at every step.

Keeping Up with Regulatory Requirements

In the public sector, compliance isn’t optional — it’s mission-critical. From financial governance to data handling, public-facing award management programs must adhere to strict and evolving regulations. Manual tracking leaves too much room for error. That’s why leading Awards Management Systems come equipped with built-in compliance automation.

Here’s a simple checklist every system should support:

These tools don’t just help teams meet the mark — they help you stay ahead of it. With automation and real-time updates, public bodies can reduce risk, increase accountability, and always be audit-ready.

Security Protocols for Sensitive Data

When it comes to managing awards and grant applications, the volume of sensitive information — personal, financial, and organizational — is significant.

According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre Annual Review, there was a 34% rise in cyberattack attempts on public services in the past year, with local governments and grant-funded programs among the most targeted sectors.

To protect public data and prevent costly breaches, your Awards Management Software should include:

• End-to-end encryption for all applicant and reviewer data
• Multi-factor authentication for user logins
• Secure cloud hosting with data redundancy
• Scheduled security audits and penetration testing
• Role-based permissions to restrict unauthorized access

For deeper insights, check out our blog: More Data Than Ever Imaginable Is Now Online – How Do We Safeguard It?

Robust digital protection isn’t just a feature — it’s the foundation of responsible grant administration.

User Experience and Accessibility Across Devices

Great technology doesn’t just work — it feels intuitive. Public sector teams need systems that are easy for applicants, reviewers, and admins alike. Whether you’re managing an arts fund or evaluating innovation proposals, usability is what drives completion rates and internal adoption.

Submit.com puts simplicity at the forefront — offering modern, mobile-responsive interfaces, drag-and-drop form builders, and intuitive reviewer dashboards that anyone can navigate, regardless of tech skills.

Intuitive Design for All User Levels

From first-time applicants to seasoned award & grant evaluators, everyone benefits from a clean and structured UI. With Submit.com, every screen is designed for clarity — with customizable question types, preview modes, and a real-time status tracker that helps users know exactly where they are in the process.

Looking for more features? Explore our awards management capabilities here.

Supporting Remote Access and Collaboration

Today’s teams are remote, hybrid, and global — so your award management platform should be too. Submit.com is cloud-native, allowing stakeholders to review, comment, and approve from anywhere, securely.

Collaborators can work across time zones without version conflicts. Every action is tracked, and every user gets a tailored access level — from form builder to finance review.

“Looking back, it would have been easier if we started the process of registration and application via Submit, instead of transferring the information for evaluation to the platform manually as we did.”

— Nivida Lamichhane, Innovation Program Team | The Next Web
Read the full GES case study →

By offering real-time access and mobile-friendly features, Submit.com empowers public sector teams to work smarter — and applicants to complete processes with ease.

Selecting the Best Awards Management Software for Government Agencies

Choosing an awards platform isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about aligning the right features with your agency’s mission, processes, and future growth. Whether you’re running a recurring innovation fund or managing dozens of reviewers, your system should evolve with your needs — not limit them.

Matching Features to Organizational Needs

The best starting point? Map your needs before evaluating vendors. Understand your internal pain points — is it tracking submissions? Managing reviewers? Ensuring compliance? Then match those goals to key platform features like:

• Automated workflows and conditional logic
• Custom dashboards and reporting
• Role-based permissions and access logs
• Built-in audit and compliance controls
• Cloud-based collaboration for remote teams

This decision matrix helps agencies shortlist vendors based on critical needs — from core functionality to long-term scale and support.

Integration with Existing Government Systems

Seamless integration is vital to avoid data silos and repetitive entry. A strong platform should work effortlessly with your internal databases, reporting systems, and financial tools.

• Look for robust APIs and secure single sign-on (SSO)
• Ensure compatibility with internal CRMs and accounting platforms
• Involve your IT team early for smooth deployment

Submit.com’s API and secure cloud infrastructure allow easy plug-and-play integrations with other systems — from procurement to public dashboards.

Evaluating Scalability and Vendor Support

According to UK government grant data, public sector grant volumes have continued to rise, especially in regional funding schemes. As your programs grow, your platform needs to scale with them — without delays or crashes.

• Can the software handle thousands of applications without slowdown?
• Does it support phase-based logic and recurring cycles?
• Can it flex to changing legislative requirements and reporting mandates?

Just as important as scalability is vendor responsiveness. Look for providers who don’t just sell — but actually support your journey post-launch.

“Submit did a wonderful job finding solutions to last-minute issues. In our experience working with innovative companies, that’s by far the most important step towards a successful future.”

— Carolina Lapa, Innovation Program Team | The Next Web
Read the full case study →

When your goals shift, your vendor should be ready to adapt with you — not make you wait on hold.

Real-World Case Studies and Success Stories

When selecting awards management software, nothing speaks louder than real-world success. At Submit.com, we’ve supported both public sector bodies and global enterprises in transforming outdated processes into streamlined, secure, and scalable systems.

Let’s explore how two very different organizations — a government-backed professional body and a high-volume international business summit — achieved results with Submit.

Government Agency Transformation Examples

Client: CIPD Ireland
Read the full case study →

CIPD Ireland — the professional body for HR and people development — found themselves at a crossroads. Their annual awards process was heavily reliant on manual nomination forms, email-based coordination, and fragmented review methods. The risk? Administrative burnout, inconsistent scoring, and compliance issues.

“A challenge the team at CIPD faced was breaking away from the ‘traditional’ way of doing things and of course, in what the entrants expected the process to be! There was the adage of ‘if it isn’t broken….’ However, after rigorous cost-benefit analysis in terms of both staff resources, financials and user experience — the value add of moving to an automated process won out.”

By adopting Submit.com, CIPD created a single, centralized platform to manage nominations, automate communication with reviewers, and record real-time judging scores. The result was a professional-grade experience for both entrants and evaluators — one that could scale and repeat easily year after year.

Results from Business Entities

Client: The Next Web (Global Entrepreneurship Summit)
Read the full case study →

When The Next Web prepared to host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), they faced an enormous challenge: how to manage over 5,000 applications from 150+ countries, involving dozens of reviewers, all under tight global timelines.

Initially, the process involved collecting data manually and migrating it mid-way into an evaluation platform — leading to delays and confusion.

“Looking back, it would have been easier if we started the process of registration and application via Submit, instead of transferring the information for evaluation to the platform manually as we did.”

— Nivida Lamichhane, Innovation Program Team | The Next Web

Once fully onboarded with Submit.com, the GES team could easily manage multiple application phases, organize large-scale reviewer workflows, and access real-time progress reports. The flexibility of the system — paired with robust support — helped them deliver a seamless experience for both applicants and evaluators.

“Submit did a wonderful job finding solutions to last-minute issues. In our experience working with innovative companies, that’s by far the most important step towards a successful future.”

— Carolina Lapa, Innovation Program Team