Guide0 steps, 7 related guides

Run an open call

From setting up the call to awarding the successful applications.

An open call is a challenge used to collect applications for funding, a programme or a partnership, often from outside your organisation. Each application is an idea, so everything in the challenge guides applies. Many organisations rename challenges and ideas to open calls and applications; this help center uses the default terms.

Running a call has three stages. These are the guides for each, with what to choose for an open call.

GuidePublish a new challengeSet up a challenge from scratch and open it to your organisation.8 steps · about 1 minAdd a reply-to address in the details, so applicants' replies reach your team. For a gated call, where only people who passed an earlier round can apply, choose a custom audience with a group.

GuideConfiguring a challengeDecide who sees ideas, how people interact with them and who helps you run the challenge.9 steps · about 1 minMake the call public so people without an account can read it; they sign up to apply. Give co-managers a role, so the whole team can review applications.

GuideDesign an idea formatBuild the form people fill in when they submit an idea: its sections, questions and rules.7 steps · about 1 minAdd an organisation profile section instead of asking for company details as separate questions.

GuideSend announcementsKeep people informed with scheduled and automatic messages about your challenge.6 steps · about 1 minThank applicants with an automatic announcement as soon as they submit. Before the deadline, remind people with unsubmitted ideas.

GuideSet up the project boardBuild the lanes your challenge's ideas move through, from first look to done.7 steps · about 1 minMatch the lanes to your selection process, for example Pre-sift (the default lane), Unsuccessful at sifting, Assessment, Interview and Award.

GuideReview and progress ideasFollow engagement, review the ideas that come in, and move the best ones forward.11 steps · about 2 minFilter by Draft to find applications that are started but not submitted. Give a single applicant more time with the idea's own deadline.

GuideRun assessmentsSet up scored assessment, assign assessors and follow their progress.6 steps · about 1 minScore the shortlist against the same questions, so you can compare applications fairly.