Case Study: American Diabetes Association achieves 30-minute grant reviews to accelerate diabetes research with Blackbaud Grantmaking

American Diabetes Association - Customer Case Study

The American Diabetes Association, which directs $33.5 million in annual research funding to improve the lives of more than 29.1 million Americans with diabetes, faced a time-consuming grant process: one yearly cycle that draws 750–1,500 applications, each reviewed by three scientific experts, with the full review taking seven to eight months. A paper-based workflow across 300 reviewers meant more than two weeks were spent just copying, scanning, and uploading applications before substantive review could begin.

By adopting Blackbaud Grantmaking, the Association moved to a cloud-configured system that reduced application preparation from over two weeks to about 30 minutes, improved reporting, tracking, and review quality, and sped overall review timing. That efficiency has freed staff to focus on funding high-impact, innovative projects—such as a smart insulin microneedle patch—and expanding education, prevention, treatment, and targeted research programs.

American Diabetes Association

Magda Galindo

Director of Research Programs