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Platform
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Abstract Software
Session Builder and Scheduling
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Awards Software
Award Winning Awards Management
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Grants
Grant Submissions and Reporting
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Scholarships
Accept Submissions and Track Funds
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Fellowships
Evaluate Your Fellowship Applications
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Applications
Simple Application Management
Integrations
iMIS
OpenWater/iMIS Bridge. No code required.
Salesforce
Visual field mapper for Salesforce
Higher Logic
Integrate with Thrive Platform AI and Automation
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Education
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Why OpenWater?
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User Resources
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About OpenWater, the Leading Application & Review Software

We’ll Help You Navigate

OpenWater’s powerful, trusted platform is tailor-made to manage abstracts, awards, grants, scholarships, and fellowships efficiently and effectively. We provide top-of-the-line tools and support you every step of the way, no matter your association, foundation, or higher ed institution’s needs.

Learn More About the OpenWater Platform

Our Story

After years of building custom web development projects for associations and nonprofits in the Washington, DC area, OpenWater founders Tim Spell and Kunal Johar created a custom awards system for a trade association client. The system was capable of collecting thousands of applications and consolidating multi-round review processes, combining two essential awards management functions that are usually handled separately. This online system would become the backbone of OpenWater.

Once the OpenWater brand officially launched in 2014, interest in our awards product exploded. Based on feedback from our customer base, we launched our abstract management software in 2015, which was soon followed by management systems for grants, scholarships, and fellowships.

In 2022, Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of cloud-based software for associations and nonprofits and the developer of the iMIS Engagement Management System, acquired OpenWater as part of their growing family of innovative solutions designed to help associations and nonprofits achieve greater goals. 

The OpenWater Name

In rowing, there is a concept called “open water.”

It describes the distance between two boats at the finish line. In close races, the front of the trailing boat overlaps with the leading boat. That’s normal. But when one crew has truly pulled away from the competition, there is no overlap at all between the boats—just open water.

We chose the name OpenWater because this concept reflects our commitment to advancing our solutions and our team. It evokes limitless possibilities and unbroken horizons. It also calls to mind the mission-driven teams we work with: the visionaries, the go-getters, the passionate individuals who do everything they can to get ahead of the pack and stay there.

That’s OpenWater.

Our Core Values

OpenWater's core values: Integrity, creativity, innovation, and excellence.

 

Trusted by 750+ Organizations

A banner of the G2 awards OpenWater won in Winter 2026.

 

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