The Challenge
Before Submit.com
- Heavy admin workload with scattered systems
- Audit challenges with records across multiple platforms
- Slow support response (2-3 days) from US vendor
- Manual communications via separate Outlook emails
- Days-long reporting processes using Excel exports
- Staff tied to desks instead of engaging with community
Council Overview
Sector: Local Government – Community Grants
Volume: 18–26 grant schemes annually
Applications: ~1,000 per year
Grant Range: £1,500 – £50,000
Formation: 2015 through amalgamation of three rural councils
Focus: Arts, culture, sport, minority languages, capital projects, and festive events
Implementation Journey
October 2022 - Project Kickoff
After reviewing 5 vendors, Mid Ulster District Council chose Submit.com for its end-to-end capabilities and exceptional customer support.
October-December 2022 - Build Phase
Weekly build sessions with Submit.com's team. Created master templates and tailored them for each grant scheme - no advanced IT skills required.
January 2023 - Go Live
Successfully launched first 17-18 grant schemes. Team became fully self-sufficient and confident in running the system independently.
The Solution
Key Features Delivered
- End-to-end process in one platform
- Mobile-friendly application forms
- Automated communications and letters
- Real-time reporting and dashboards
- Complete audit trail
- Same-day support response
- Built-in conditional logic
- Geographic mapping for reports
Why Submit.com?
Led by Joe McGlinchey (Grants Officer with 25+ years in local government), the selection process was thorough:
- Only fully operational platform among 5 vendors reviewed
- Strong UK & Ireland council track record
- Competitive pricing with clear value
- Exceptional support with video walkthroughs
- User-friendly for non-technical staff
"Don't be put off by worries about IT skills. If I can lead this change, anyone can. Weekly builds, good support, and a clear template get you live quickly. The result is a simpler, faster, more transparent grants process — and more time to work with the community."
Results & Impact
Operational Benefits
- Centralised data replaced multiple systems
- Staff freed from admin to focus on community engagement
- Complete audit trail for internal and external audits
- Instant reporting capabilities
- Self-sufficient team operation
User Experience
- Works well for all skill levels
- Mobile-friendly application process
- Quick issue resolution with built-in support
- Even least tech-confident staff now self-sufficient
- Strong confidence in system independence
Ready to Transform Your Grant Management?
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