Developing a grant management web application for research funding

Parkinson's UK is a national charity dedicated to improving care, treatments and quality of life for people affected by Parkinson’s. Through its work, the organisation funds pioneering research aimed at developing better treatments and ultimately finding a cure.

Managing research funding is a critical part of this mission. Each year the charity coordinates multiple grant rounds, reviewing applications from researchers and allocating funding to the most promising projects.

An elderly person gently holds the hand of a younger individual, symbolizing connection and support.

A woman in a lab coat examines a sample through a microscope in a laboratory setting.

About Parkinson's UK

Parkinson's UK supports a wide range of scientific research initiatives focused on improving understanding, treatment and care for Parkinson’s. Its grant funding programmes enable researchers across the UK and internationally to pursue innovative work that may lead to breakthroughs in treatment and patient care.

Previously, the process of applying for and administering grants relied heavily on manual workflows and paper documentation. As the scale and complexity of the funding programme grew, the organisation identified the need for a modern digital platform that could streamline the process for both applicants and administrators.

OWA was therefore asked to design and develop a web-based system to manage the full lifecycle of grant applications and funding decisions.

Visit Website

The challenge

Parkinson's UK needed a system that could simplify the application process for researchers while also supporting the internal management of funding rounds, reviews and grant allocations.

The new platform had to replace an existing paper-based workflow while ensuring flexibility to accommodate different types of grant schemes and review processes.

Replace complex paper-based grant workflows
Allow researchers to submit funding applications online
Support multiple grant schemes and application rounds
Enable peer review and funding decision processes
Provide flexibility for future grant programmes

The system also needed to balance usability for applicants with robust administrative tools for managing applications and funding decisions internally.

Parkinson's UK website registration page

Dashboard of the Parkinson's UK system displaying various items and features for user navigation and information access.

OUR APPROACH

Our approach

1

Discovery & workflow mapping

We worked closely with the Parkinson's UK team to understand the existing grant management process and identify opportunities to streamline it through digital workflows.

2

Platform design

A web-based application was proposed to manage the entire grant lifecycle, from application submission through to review and funding allocation.

3

Application submission

Researchers can submit applications digitally, including downloadable PDF forms allowing work to be completed offline before submission.

4

Grant scheme management

Administrative tools were developed to create and manage different grant rounds, calls for applications and decision processes.

5

Ongoing development & support

Following launch, we have continued to host, support and enhance the system as the organisation’s funding programmes evolve.

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT

THE RESULTS

The solution

OWA worked closely with Parkinson's UK to design and develop a flexible web application that supports the full grant application and review process. The platform enables researchers to apply for funding through structured digital forms while also supporting downloadable PDF submissions where offline preparation is required.

Internally, the system provides tools for managing grant schemes, opening and closing funding rounds, reviewing applications and recording funding decisions. The architecture was designed to accommodate different review processes, including peer review stages where required.

Flexibility was a key part of the solution, allowing the organisation to configure the specific requirements of each grant round. New funding programmes can be added easily as they arise, ensuring the system continues to support the charity’s evolving research priorities.

The results

The new web application transformed how Parkinson's UK manages its research funding programmes:

Streamlined digital process replacing complex paper workflows
Simplified application process for researchers
Flexible platform supporting multiple grant schemes and rounds
Efficient internal management of application reviews and decisions
Scalable system supporting future funding programmes

A streamlined, flexible grant management platform that makes applying for – and managing – research funding far simpler for researchers and internal teams.

Working with you

How this could apply to you

Many organisations still rely on manual or paper-based processes to manage complex application or review workflows. A custom web application can streamline these operations, reduce administrative overhead and improve the experience for both applicants and internal teams.

Digitise complex application or funding workflows
Create secure platforms for submitting and reviewing applications
Manage multi-stage approval and peer review processes
Configure flexible rules for different application rounds or schemes
Provide scalable systems that evolve with organisational needs