Instrumentl
Instrumentl is an all-in-one grant management platform that helps non-profits and consultants find, track, and manage grants through automated matching and deadline tracking in a single workspace.
SmarterSelect
SmarterSelect is a specialized application management software designed to help you create, manage, and evaluate online applications for scholarships, grants, awards, and specialized programs with ease.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Instrumentl | SmarterSelect |
|---|---|---|
| Website | instrumentl.com | smarterselect.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $195/month | $125/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2014 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Plano, USA |
Overview
Instrumentl
Instrumentl simplifies your entire grant lifecycle by combining prospecting, tracking, and management into one intuitive interface. Instead of jumping between spreadsheets and multiple databases, you can discover active grant opportunities tailored specifically to your organization's mission and location. The platform automatically matches you with relevant funders, saving you hours of manual research every week.
You can manage your entire pipeline with automated deadline reminders, task assignments, and document storage for every application. It helps your team stay organized by centralizing communication and tracking your progress toward fundraising goals in real-time. Whether you are a small non-profit or a large consultancy, you can streamline your workflows and increase your chances of winning more funding.
SmarterSelect
SmarterSelect is a dedicated platform built to simplify how you manage complex application processes. Whether you are running a local scholarship fund, a corporate grant program, or an internal awards ceremony, you can move away from paper forms and messy spreadsheets. You can build custom application forms in minutes using a library of templates and then automate the entire collection process from start to finish.
The software focuses on the three pillars of application management: collecting data, managing reviewers, and selecting winners. You can set up automated messaging to remind applicants of deadlines and provide reviewers with a centralized portal to score submissions. It is designed to scale with your organization, helping you save time on administrative tasks so you can focus on the impact of your programs.
Overview
Instrumentl Features
- Automated Grant Matching Receive personalized grant recommendations based on your specific projects, location, and non-profit status to find relevant funders faster.
- Funder Insights Analyze 990 data visually to see a funder's giving history, average grant size, and openness to new applicants.
- Deadline Tracking Never miss a submission date with automated email reminders and a centralized calendar that tracks every upcoming grant milestone.
- Grant Pipeline Management Move your applications through custom stages from 'Planned' to 'Awarded' using a visual tracker designed for grant workflows.
- Document Storage Keep all your proposals, budgets, and award letters attached to specific grants so your team always has the latest versions.
- Task Management Assign specific action items to team members and set internal deadlines to ensure every part of your application stays on track.
SmarterSelect Features
- Form Builder. Create custom application forms quickly with a drag-and-drop interface and access to over 100 pre-built templates.
- Automated Messaging. Send automated email reminders to applicants and references to ensure all materials are submitted before your deadline.
- Reviewer Portal. Give your evaluators a private space to view applications and submit scores without sharing sensitive login credentials.
- Eligibility Rules. Set up qualifying questions that automatically filter out ineligible applicants so you only review the most qualified candidates.
- Document Uploads. Collect transcripts, photos, and letters of recommendation directly within the platform to keep all your files organized.
- Reporting Tools. Generate detailed reports on applicant demographics and scoring trends to share insights with your board or stakeholders.
Pricing Comparison
Instrumentl Pricing
- Up to 3 projects
- Unlimited grant searching
- Automated grant matching
- Deadline tracking & reminders
- Funder 990 snapshots
- Foundation discovery
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Up to 10 projects
- Advanced funder insights
- Recipient profiles
- Calendar view
- Personalized support
SmarterSelect Pricing
- Up to 100 applications per year
- Unlimited programs
- Standard email support
- Basic reporting tools
- Automated email notifications
- Everything in Create, plus:
- Up to 500 applications per year
- Advanced scoring and evaluation
- Third-party app integrations
- Priority email support
- Custom branding options
Pros & Cons
Instrumentl
Pros
- Saves significant time on manual grant research
- Consolidates multiple tools into one workspace
- Highly accurate matching for specific project types
- Excellent customer support and onboarding experience
Cons
- Higher starting price point than basic databases
- Learning curve for advanced funder data analysis
- Limited features for individual artists or students
SmarterSelect
Pros
- Intuitive interface makes form creation fast
- Automated reminders significantly reduce manual follow-up
- Reviewer portal simplifies the committee scoring process
- Excellent customer support during initial setup
Cons
- Initial configuration can be time-consuming
- Reporting features have a slight learning curve
- Pricing may be high for very small funds