Simplifying Funding Applications for Life-Changing Sport Programs
Special Olympics Canada
"It was a pleasure working alongside Nick and Mustapha from DigiBlu in the development of the Grant Application tool. They provided results at a fast pace and were always available if there were any questions. The team provided weekly check ins to ensure the tool was moving in the right direction. Once complete, DigiBlu continued to provide support throughout the launch and user adoption. Even a year later, they assisted in updating the tool to ensure it evolved with the application period. We cannot thank DigiBlu enough for this custom solution and look forward to future projects with them.”
Rachel Coutts
Manager, Programs - Special Olympics Canada
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Overview
Special Olympics is a global grassroots movement, bringing community programmes and competition opportunities to more than 4.5 million children, and adults with intellectual disabilities across 170 countries worldwide. In Canada, over 41,000 people participate in programmes supported by local sport clubs and a network of more than 17,500 volunteers.
Problem Statement
Special Olympics Canada’s provincial and territorial Chapters require funding to run these programmes, and each year they apply for this through Special Olympics Canada (SOC). The application process was previously based on Microsoft Excel and required a back-and-forth chain of emails between the Chapters and SOC that resulted in loss of version control and a poor user experience. SOC had already deployed Jotform in other parts of the organisation with great success, however, the data to be collected here was more complex. To ensure standardisation of data and an optimal user experience, SOC required careful analysis of the ‘To-Be’ workflow, and development of custom widgets.
Solution
Jotform introduced SOC to DigiBlu, an Elite Partner with expertise in building complex custom solutions. A Discovery Workshop was held with SOC SMEs to map the workflow and identify opportunities to improve the process. Custom widgets were required along with a portal on which SOC and the Chapters can collaborate on Grant Applications, document budget expenditure and update performance against targets.
Outcome
The resulting portal provides an optimal user experience for both SOC and the Chapters submitting their applications and updating the record throughout the year. The custom widgets address the requirements for standardisation and automation, and with clear structuring of a yearly Record per Chapter, the issue of version control is eliminated. The process of Grant Applications has been streamlined, and Special Olympics Canada and their Chapters are able to focus their time and effort on the events that make a huge difference to thousands of lives.