SmarterSelect vs Submittable Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated Apr 2026 8 min read

SmarterSelect

0.0 (0 reviews)

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.

Starting at $125/mo
Free Trial 0 days
VS

Submittable

0.0 (0 reviews)

Submittable is a comprehensive social impact platform that helps you launch, manage, and measure corporate social responsibility programs, grant cycles, and community engagement initiatives with ease.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL

Quick Comparison

Feature SmarterSelect Submittable
Website smarterselect.com submittable.com
Pricing Model Subscription Custom
Starting Price $125/month Custom Pricing
FREE Trial ✓ 0 days free trial ✘ No free trial
Free Plan ✘ No free plan ✘ No free plan
Product Demo ✓ Request demo here ✓ Request demo here
Deployment saas cloud mobile
Integrations Salesforce Blackbaud Stripe PayPal Google Drive Dropbox Salesforce Blackbaud Microsoft Dynamics QuickBooks Zoom Slack Google Drive DocuSign Stripe PayPal
Target Users small-business mid-market enterprise mid-market enterprise
Target Industries education non-profit government government non-profit education
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 2007 2010
Headquarters Plano, USA Missoula, USA

Overview

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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.

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Submittable

Submittable is a flexible platform designed to help you manage the entire lifecycle of social impact programs. Whether you are running a large-scale government grant, a corporate giving initiative, or a community award program, you can build custom application forms and review workflows without needing a technical background. It simplifies the complex process of collecting submissions, coordinating with reviewers, and distributing funds to the right people.

You can track your program's progress in real-time and generate detailed reports to prove your impact to stakeholders. The software eliminates manual data entry and fragmented email chains by centralizing all communication and documentation in one secure location. It is built to scale with your organization, ensuring that your application process remains accessible and equitable for all participants while reducing the administrative burden on your team.

Overview

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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.
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Submittable Features

  • Drag-and-Drop Form Builder. Create professional application forms in minutes using a visual builder that requires zero coding or technical expertise.
  • Automated Review Workflows. Assign submissions to reviewers automatically and set up multi-stage approval processes to speed up your decision-making.
  • Direct Funds Distribution. Send payments directly to winners or grantees through integrated financial tools to ensure fast and secure delivery.
  • Impact Reporting. Generate visual reports and data summaries instantly to share your program's success and reach with your stakeholders.
  • In-Platform Messaging. Communicate directly with applicants and team members within the software to keep all project history in one place.
  • Fraud Prevention Tools. Verify applicant identities and detect duplicate entries automatically to ensure your resources go to legitimate recipients.

Pricing Comparison

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SmarterSelect Pricing

Create
$125
  • Up to 100 applications per year
  • Unlimited programs
  • Standard email support
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Automated email notifications
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Submittable Pricing

Pros & Cons

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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
A

Submittable

Pros

  • Highly intuitive interface for both administrators and applicants
  • Exceptional customer support team helps with complex setups
  • Flexible form logic handles complex application requirements easily
  • Centralized communication history prevents lost emails and data
  • Regular feature updates based on direct user feedback

Cons

  • Custom pricing can be high for very small nonprofits
  • Advanced reporting tools have a slight learning curve
  • Limited styling options for matching exact brand aesthetics
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