Submission and review programs have long been viewed as a way to celebrate excellence and build community, but for associations, they can also be powerful engines of growth.
When these programs are managed well, awards, scholarships, fellowships, and grants do more than shine a spotlight on members. They create opportunities for sponsorship, attract new participants, and demonstrate value in ways that strengthen loyalty and retention.
But awards aren’t the only programs with revenue potential. Calls for speakers or presenters, calls for abstracts, certification and accreditation renewals, and peer review processes can also generate financial returns.
Each program brings a different audience into contact with the association, and each is a chance to strengthen relationships while driving non-dues revenue.
The challenge is that too many programs remain stuck in manual processes or outdated platforms. Submissions trickle in instead of flowing, sponsors are hard to secure because visibility is limited, and staff are left pouring hours into administration that could be spent building the program’s reach. In those cases, the opportunity cost is enormous.
How Submission Programs Generate Revenue
There are several direct ways associations can turn their submission and review programs into engines of growth:
- Sponsorships and Partnerships. Sponsors want visibility where it matters. An awards gala, a scholarship announcement, a high-profile conference keynote, or an accreditation showcase all provide natural opportunities for them to align their brand with excellence in the field. The more prestigious and visible the program, the more attractive it is to sponsors.
- Application and Entry Fees. Many associations charge modest fees for submissions to awards, abstracts, or certifications. With a smooth, easy process, members are more willing to participate, creating a steady revenue stream without friction.
- Event Tie-Ins. Submission programs often culminate in conferences, ceremonies, or showcases. These events drive registrations, create premium sponsorship packages, and give associations more content to promote throughout the year.
- Extended Engagement. Programs like fellowships, certifications, and accreditation renewals deepen relationships with participants, opening opportunities for upselling memberships, cross-promotion of other services, or long-term donor cultivation.
Participation Creates Revenue
The revenue potential is only realized when the program runs smoothly. Outdated, manual processes cap participation, make reporting difficult, and leave sponsors questioning ROI. By contrast, automated systems reduce staff workload and provide real-time dashboards that clearly demonstrate impact.
For example, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) grew award applications by 72 percent after moving to a modern submission platform. That surge in participation didn’t just elevate the prestige of the awards; it expanded the audience sponsors could reach and increased the value of every partnership.
The Forging Industry Association (FIA) experienced this shift when they transitioned their scholarships from manual spreadsheets to an integrated online system. By reducing costs and streamlining the process, FIA not only improved member satisfaction but also created a more sustainable foundation for future growth.
The same principle applies to calls for speakers or accreditation renewals. When the process is seamless, participation rises, the association looks more professional, and the resulting visibility creates more sponsorship and revenue opportunities.
Mission-Aligned Revenue
The beauty of these programs is that the money they generate is mission-aligned. Sponsors fund scholarships that develop future leaders. Entry fees support programs that highlight innovation. Certification renewals ensure industry standards are met and maintained. Members see tangible value, not a transactional revenue grab. That alignment makes this kind of growth sustainable and widely accepted by the community.
A Timely Opportunity
At a moment when associations are being asked to demonstrate value and diversify revenue, submission programs offer a timely and practical path forward. With the right tools, they can grow participation, attract sponsors, and deliver results that serve both the mission and the bottom line.
Learn More
If you’re ready to explore how to unlock this potential, join us for our upcoming webinar, More Than Awards: How to Streamline Every Submission Process. We’ll share how associations are modernizing awards, abstracts, scholarships, grants, fellowships, certifications, and accreditations to create seamless experiences that drive engagement, strengthen loyalty, and open new revenue streams.