The partnership introduces AI-powered tools to streamline grant applications and foster global change.
Microsoft Corp and Submittable, a prominent grants management and corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform, recently announced a strategic partnership to enhance social impact initiatives. The collaboration focuses on developing innovative solutions using Microsoft Azure and Azure OpenAI Service. These advancements are aimed at supporting public, private and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to more effectively serve their communities and accelerate social impact.
Innovative tools to enhance grant processes
Submittable’s first venture under this new partnership involves launching a suite of tools designed to augment AI for good initiatives and streamline the grant application process for both grantors and applicants. Key features of these tools include:
- AI-powered autofill: This service will automatically complete grant applications using an applicant’s previous responses, significantly reducing the time spent on applications and allowing more focus on essential tasks.
- Multilingual AI bot: Capable of creating and translating grant application forms into various languages, this tool aims to ensure adherence to best practices for funders while broadening accessibility across language barriers.
- AI-supported data extraction: This feature simplifies the application and review processes by efficiently extracting information from official documents into Submittable. It aims to minimize human error and reduce the potential for fraud.
Partnership for technological advancement
Submittable’s solutions will be constructed on the Microsoft Azure platform, incorporating Azure OpenAI Service. The partnership also envisages integration with common data models and Microsoft Teams, enhancing operational synergy.
Justin Spelhaug, vice president and global lead for Microsoft’s Technology for Social Impact organization, expressed the intent to enhance the effectiveness of social impact efforts through technology. He noted that collaboration with companies like Submittable would enable organizations to better align their funding and operational aspects, ultimately fulfilling their missions in a more efficient manner.
As a priority partner of Microsoft Tech for Social Impact, Submittable aligns its solutions with Microsoft’s technology stack and industry-specific offerings, such as Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits. This alignment provides social impact organizations with a comprehensive view of the impact of funding received from both individual donors and grant funding sources.
Submittable’s CEO, Thor Culverhouse, emphasized their commitment to providing innovative solutions to organizations that engage with their constituents, communities and employees. He credited Microsoft’s Azure platform and OpenAI service for making this innovation possible, ultimately helping customers accelerate their social impact initiatives.
Availability and future collaborations
Submittable’s solutions are currently available on Azure Marketplace and AppSource. Both Microsoft and Submittable plan to introduce industry-specific solutions and continue their collaboration on future innovations. This ongoing partnership aims to support organizations in achieving their social impact objectives, leveraging the strengths of both entities in technology and social engagement.
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Header Image Courtesy of Freepik
Press release link: https://news.microsoft.com/2023/10/26/microsoft-and-submittable-to-collaborate-on-the-future-of-social-impact-in-the-cloud/
