How ASAE Uses OpenWater for Awards,Grants, Scholarships, Fellowships

How a Strategic Platform Adoption Led to a Surge in Applications and Program Expansion.

In 2016, ASAE made a strategic decision to modernize its application and review processes by adopting the OpenWater platform. The initial implementation was comprehensive, encompassing a diverse range of key initiatives. These included their prestigious Gold Circle Awards, the forward-thinking Innovation Grants and Scholarly Research programs, and their important Diversity Executive Leadership Program, showcasing the platform's immediate versatility from the start.
 The impact of this partnership has been profound. Since its first year with OpenWater, ASAE has experienced explosive growth, with applications increasing by as much as 80% annually. The platform has seen widespread adoption within the organization, with over 500 members actively using it, including a robust contingent of more than 250 dedicated volunteers and judges. This success has enabled ASAE to scale its operations significantly, expanding to manage ten distinct programs today.