13 best grant management software solutions to maximize strategic funding

Strategic grantmaking is essential, but managing the process can be a significant undertaking. Juggling multiple applications, tracking reporting requirements, and ensuring compliance can strain resources. This is where the best grant management software becomes crucial. 

The right tool can help streamline the complex process of administering corporate grants, from application and review to award, monitoring, and reporting. These platforms centralize grant management-related information and automate tasks, freeing up time and reducing administrative burden.

Let’s compare the top 13 grant management software tools that can elevate your corporate grantmaking strategies and maximize the impact of your corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments.

What is grant management software?

Grant management software is a platform designed to streamline and automate the entire grant lifecycle, from initial application and review to award, monitoring, reporting, and impact assessment. 

It provides a centralized system for managing all grant-related information, including applications, budgets, award letters, progress reports, and communications.  

         

Grant management software is important because it empowers grantmakers with the tools and technology to drive more strategic funding. 

It facilitates data-driven decision-making by providing real-time insights into grant performance, enabling managers to identify what’s working and what’s not. CSR software also simplifies grantmaking complexities and compliance, reducing the risk of audits and ensuring accountability. 

13 top grant management tools 

Choosing the best grant management system is crucial for corporations looking to streamline their grantmaking processes and maximize their impact. Here are 13 of the top grantmaking and corporate giving software platforms to choose from. 

Platform	Best for	Standout features
Bonterra CyberGrants	Large corporations with complex CSR programs	Comprehensive suite of features, employee engagement tools
GrantHub	Small to medium-sized corporations with straightforward grant programs	Ease of use, affordable pricing
Neon CRM	Corporations seeking integrated CRM and grant management	Stakeholder management, volunteer and event management
Blackbaud Grantmaking	Large grantmakers, including corporations	Comprehensive functionality, established reputation
Grantseeker	Corporations looking to connect with grantees	Grant opportunity discovery, resource library
AmpliFund	Corporations focused on compliance and reporting	Compliance tracking, streamlined application process
Good Grants	Foundations with a user-friendly focus	User-friendly interface, collaborative tools
WizeHive	Corporations with highly customizable needs	Customizable application portals, automated workflows
Submittable	Corporations managing high volumes of submissions	Automated workflows, review and collaboration tools
Salesforce NPSP	Corporations already using Salesforce	Customizability, integration with existing Salesforce instances
SmartSimple	Corporations with complex, unique grantmaking processes	Configurable workflows, fund management
Instrumentl	Grantmakers supporting grantees	Grant discovery, grant tracking
Fluxx	Corporations with diverse giving programs	Grant lifecycle management, robust reporting and analytics

1. Bonterra CyberGrants

Best for: Complex and diverse giving programs

Bonterra CyberGrants is a robust platform designed to streamline and scale corporate philanthropy partnerships. It caters to a wide range of corporate giving initiatives, from traditional grantmaking and employee matching gifts to volunteer management and disaster relief efforts. 

Bonterra helps corporations manage the entire grant lifecycle, from application intake and review to award disbursement, impact tracking, and reporting. Its customizable options also allow companies to tailor the platform to their specific giving programs and workflows, maximizing the impact of their philanthropic investments. 

Key features 

• Grant management: Streamlines the entire grant lifecycle, from application intake and review to award management and reporting.
• Employee engagement: Facilitates employee matching gift programs, volunteer tracking, and other employee giving initiatives.
• Impact measurement: Provides tools for tracking grant outcomes, measuring social impact, and demonstrating the effectiveness of giving programs.

Pricing: Varies based on needs

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive suite of features covering all aspects of corporate philanthropy	Can be a more expensive option compared to some other solutions
Scalable platform suitable for large and complex giving programs	May be overkill for smaller corporations with simpler giving programs
Robust reporting and analytics capabilities	The extensive feature set can have a steeper learning curve for some users
Strong focus on partnership management and collaboration with nonprofit organizations

2. GrantHub

Best for: User-friendly grant programs

GrantHub is a cloud-based grant management software designed to simplify the grant lifecycle. While primarily designed as the best grant management software for foundations, its core functionalities are adaptable to corporate grantmaking programs, from application intake and review to tracking, reporting, and impact measurement.

Key features 

• Application management: GrantHub provides tools to create and manage grant applications, including customizable forms, online submission portals, and automated acknowledgment emails.
• Workflow automation: The system offers features to automate processes such as application reviews, notifications, and reporting reminders.
• Reporting and analytics: GrantHub includes reporting functionalities to generate reports on grant activity and track relevant metrics.

Pricing: Starts at $95/mo

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
The system is designed to be easy to learn and navigate	Some features may require integrations with other platforms
Affordable pricing with various plans to fit your needs	Has fewer customization options compared to some other solutions
Customer support is available when you need it	May not be ideal for organizations with highly complex CSR programs

3. Neon CRM

Best for: Integrated CSR and grant management

While primarily known for its nonprofit focus, Neon CRM offers a cloud-based suite of tools that corporations can adapt for CSR programs. Beyond grant management, it provides functionalities for volunteer management, event planning, and stakeholder engagement, which can be valuable for corporations looking to integrate their various CSR activities.

Key features 

• Stakeholder management: Neon CRM provides tools for managing stakeholder profiles, tracking donation history, and segmenting donor communications.
• Fundraising tools: The platform offers features for online fundraising campaigns, event management, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Grant management: Neon CRM includes functionalities to manage grant applications, track grant progress, and report on grant outcomes.

Pricing: Starts at $99/mo

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Offers a wide range of features within a single platform	Features may be overwhelming for smaller corporations with limited staff
Designed to be relatively easy to use and navigate	Cost of the platform may be a barrier for some smaller corporations
Keeps all donor, fundraising, and grant information in one place	Not specifically designed for grantmaking

4. Blackbaud Grantmaking

Best for: Lifecycle management and reporting

Blackbaud Grantmaking is geared towards grantmakers of all sizes, including foundations, corporations, and government agencies, who are looking to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their grantmaking processes. The platform offers tools for managing applications, reviews, awards, payments, and reporting, aiming to simplify workflows and provide visibility into grantmaking activities.

Key features 

• Application management: Streamlines the application process with online forms, automated notifications, and applicant portals.
• Review and approval: Facilitates collaborative review processes with tools for assigning reviewers, scoring applications, and managing approvals.
• Grant award and payment: Manages grant awards, payment schedules, and disbursement tracking.

Pricing: Varies based on needs

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Range of functionality covering the entire grant lifecycle	Can be complex to implement and may require extensive training
Established reputation and experience in the nonprofit sector	Pricing may be higher compared to some other solutions
Robust reporting and analytics capabilities	Potential for integration challenges with existing systems

5. Grantseeker

Best for: Providing resources for grantees

Grantseeker is a free grant management software platform designed to facilitate the connection between grant seekers and grantmakers. It provides a centralized location to search for grant opportunities, track application deadlines, and manage grant-related documents.  

Key features 

• Grant opportunity discovery: Provides tools for searching and filtering grant opportunities based on various criteria.
• Application tracking: Offers features to manage and track grant applications, including deadlines and submission requirements.
• Resource library: Includes access to resources and information related to grant seeking and grant writing.

Pricing: Starts at $0/mo for Basic plan and $14.99/mo for Premium plan

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Database of grant opportunities to simplify partnerships	Subscription fees may be a barrier for some smaller organizations
Functionality for more targeted searches	The volume of information can be overwhelming for new users
Tools and resources to support the grant research and application process	Limited grant management features for grantmakers

6. AmpliFund

Best for: Strong compliance tracking

AmpliFund is cloud-based grant management software designed to streamline and centralize the grant lifecycle. It caters to various sectors, including government agencies, educational institutions, and corporations.

Key features 

• Application management: Streamlines the application process with online forms, automated workflows, and applicant portals.
• Review and scoring: Facilitates collaborative review processes with tools for assigning reviewers, scoring applications, and managing approvals.
• Compliance tracking: Monitors grant compliance requirements and ensures adherence to regulations.

Pricing: Varies based on needs

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Suite of features covering the entire grant lifecycle	May require a significant investment of time and resources for implementation
Focus on compliance and reporting	Potential learning curve for users unfamiliar with grant management software
Offer tools for a collaborative review process	Pricing may be a factor for smaller corporations with limited budgets

7. Good Grants

Best for: Collaborative features

Good Grants is a grant management platform designed for foundations and other grant-making organizations. It aims to offer a user-friendly interface and a range of features to manage all stages of the grant lifecycle, from application intake and review to award management and reporting.  

Key features 

• Online application forms: Track, manage, and report on grant and funding applications in real time.
• Review and assessment: Tools for assigning reviewers, managing scoring, and facilitating collaborative decision-making.
• Reporting and analytics: Generates reports on grant activity, providing insights into program effectiveness and impact.

Pricing: Starts at $3,500/yr

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface and intuitive navigation	May have limited integrations with other software platforms
Customizable workflows and features to adapt to different grantmaking processes	Feature set may not be as extensive as some more complex solutions
Focus on collaboration and communication among stakeholders	Pricing structure may not be suitable for all organizations

8. WizeHive

Best for: Customizable workflows

WizeHive is a customizable cloud-based platform designed to empower corporate grantmakers to efficiently manage and scale their philanthropic giving programs. Designed for diverse funding initiatives, WizeHive offers workflows and tools to automate tasks, track progress, and ensure compliance. 

Key features 

• Customizable application portals: Allows for the creation of branded and tailored application forms and portals.
• Automated workflow management: Streamlines processes with automated notifications, reminders, and task assignments.
• Reporting and analytics: Provides tools to generate reports and analyze program data.

Pricing: Core, Premium, and Enterprise plans

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Highly customizable platform to adapt to specific needs and workflows	Can be complex to set up and configure due to its customizability
Comprehensive suite of features for managing various types of funding programs	May require training for users to fully utilize the platform’s features
Focus on automation and efficiency	Pricing might be a consideration for smaller organizations

9. Submittable

Best for: Application communication

Submittable is a grant tool that specifically aims to help corporations manage the submission lifecycle, from receiving submissions to communicating with applicants and making final decisions. It’s particularly useful for grantmakers who handle a high volume of submissions and need a centralized and organized system. 

Key features 

• Customizable submission forms: Create tailored forms to collect the specific information you need from applicants, including file uploads, text fields, and multiple-choice questions.
• Automated workflow: Set up automated email notifications, review assignments, and scoring rubrics to streamline the review process and ensure timely communication.
• Review and collaboration tools: Facilitate collaborative review with built-in commenting, rating, and discussion features, allowing reviewers to easily share feedback and make informed decisions.

Pricing: Starter, Pro, and Enterprise plans

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Manages all submissions in one place, eliminating the need for email or other scattered methods	Pricing can be a barrier for smaller organizations
Automates repetitive tasks, freeing up staff to focus on other important work	While generally user-friendly, there might be a slight learning curve for some
Provides a structured and organized system for managing submissions	As a cloud-based platform, it requires a stable Internet connection

10. Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP)

Best for: Using alongside the Salesforce ecosystem

Salesforce’s Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) offers a customizable foundation for corporate grantmaking programs. Built on the Salesforce platform, NPSP can be tailored to manage various aspects of your giving. 

While designed for nonprofits, its adaptability makes it a viable option for corporations seeking a configurable solution for managing their philanthropic investments and tracking their impact.

Key features 

• Relationship management: NPSP excels at managing relationships with grantees, community partners, and other stakeholders, providing a 360-degree view of interactions and engagement.
• Grant management: While requiring some configuration, NPSP can be adapted to manage grant applications, track grant progress, and report on grant outcomes.
• Reporting and analytics: Leveraging Salesforce’s robust reporting capabilities, NPSP allows corporations to track key metrics, analyze giving trends, and demonstrate the impact of their philanthropic investments.

Pricing: Varies based on needs

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Allows corporations to tailor the system to their specific needs	Requires significant configuration and customization
Leverages the entire Salesforce platform	May require specialized Salesforce expertise for implementation and maintenance
Strong relationship management capabilities	Functionalities may not be as robust as some dedicated grant management solutions

11. SmartSimple

Best for: Highly specialized grant programs

SmartSimple is designed to streamline and automate the grant lifecycle. It mostly caters to corporations seeking a comprehensive and customizable solution that can be tailored to their specific needs, workflows, and reporting requirements. For corporations with complex giving programs, SmartSimple offers an adaptable platform.

Key features 

• Configurable workflows: SmartSimple allows for the creation of custom workflows to automate and manage all stages of the grant lifecycle, from application submission and review to award disbursement and reporting.
• Fund management: The platform provides tools for managing grant budgets, tracking expenditures, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• International grantmaking capabilities: SmartSimple offers multi-currency support, language options, and tools to manage the complexities of giving across borders.

Pricing: Startup and monthly subscription fee

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Configurable and adaptable to complex grantmaking processes	Can be a more expensive option compared to some other solutions
International grantmaking capabilities	Can require a significant initial setup and customization effort
Suitable for a wide range of grantmaking programs and initiatives	May have a steeper learning curve for some users due to its complexity

12. Instrumentl

Best for: Grant discovery and tracking

Instrumentl is a grant management platform specifically designed to help corporations with philanthropic arms to discover, track, and manage grant opportunities more effectively. Instrumentl is particularly well-suited for corporations that want to provide a platform for their grantees to find additional funding opportunities. 

Key features 

• Grant discovery: Instrumentl provides a comprehensive database of grant opportunities and uses matching algorithms to identify relevant funding sources.
• Grant tracking: The platform allows organizations to track the status of grant applications, manage deadlines, and monitor grant progress.
• Reporting and collaboration: Instrumentl offers reporting tools to analyze grant data and provides collaboration features to streamline teamwork.

Pricing: Starts at $179/mo

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Provides a centralized system for managing grant applications	Discovery feature effectiveness depends on the accuracy of the database
Offers reporting tools to analyze grant data and measure impact	May not be as comprehensive in its grant management functionalities
Can be a valuable tool for both grant seekers and grantmakers	Pricing may be a consideration for smaller organizations with limited budgets

13. Fluxx

Best for: Robust impact measurement

Fluxx is designed to handle the complexities of modern grantmaking, offering features like custom workflows, automated notifications, and real-time reporting dashboards. This makes it a good fit for corporations with diverse giving programs, including traditional grantmaking, employee matching gifts, and corporate sponsorships.

Key features 

• Grant lifecycle management: Fluxx covers all stages of the grant lifecycle, from application intake and review to award management, reporting, and impact assessment.
• Workflow automation: The platform allows for the creation of custom workflows to automate key processes and streamline grant administration.
• Impact Measurement Tools: Fluxx includes features for defining key performance indicators (KPIs), collecting data from grantees, and analyzing outcomes.

Pricing: Varies based on needs

Pros & cons 

Pros	Cons
Strong focus on data-driven decision-making and impact measurement	May be overkill for smaller organizations with simpler giving programs
Features covering all aspects of grant management	The extensive feature set can have a steeper learning curve for some users
Highly configurable and adaptable to complex grantmaking processes	Can be a more expensive option compared to some other solution

Benefits of using grant management software 

Grant management tools help improve the efficiency, transparency, and impact of giving programs. By streamlining and automating key processes, these platforms free up valuable time and resources for CSR teams, allowing them to focus on strategic grantmaking and maximizing charitable impact. 

• Improves organization: Grant management software centralizes all grant information. Instead of scattered spreadsheets, emails, and paper files, everything from grant applications and budgets to award letters, progress reports, and communication logs resides in one secure and easily accessible location. 
• Saves time: Grant management software significantly reduces the time spent on manual tasks and tracking, freeing up CSR staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.
• Streamlines collaboration: Grant software facilitates better teamwork and communication between teams. Features like shared workspaces, messaging, and notifications enable seamless information sharing and help reduce implicit biases in grantmaking. 
• Maximizes reporting accuracy: Accurate reporting is key to demonstrating CSR impact and ensuring accountability. Grant management software minimizes the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and report generation. 

Top grant management software features

Choosing the best grant management system means considering the features most critical to your corporation. The right combination can significantly impact your grantmaking efficiency and effectiveness.

Data reporting 

Robust data reporting capabilities are crucial for effective grant management. Grant management software collects data throughout the grant lifecycle and provides tools to analyze it, allowing you to track metrics, identify trends, and measure program effectiveness. 

Built-in reporting generates grant summaries, financial reports, and impact reports for internal analysis, stakeholder communication, and demonstrating philanthropic value.

Workflow automation

Workflow automation streamlines key tasks like application tracking, review, approvals, and reminders for deadlines and reporting. For example, software can automatically route applications to reviewers, send notifications, and track progress. Automated reminders ensure deadlines are met and prevent compliance issues.

Compliance tracking 

Grant management software helps corporations maintain compliance by providing tools for tracking grant terms, reporting requirements, and managing audit trails. 

The right grant software should be able to store all relevant grant documents and track deadlines for reporting and other compliance-related activities. 

Integration capabilities

Seamless integration with accounting, CRM, and other platforms allows for smooth data flow, reducing manual entry and improving accuracy. Integrating with accounting software automates budget and expenditure tracking. 

Integrating with CRM improves grantee and stakeholder relationship management. These integrations enhance efficiency and provide a holistic view of grantmaking.

Streamline grant management with the help of Bonterra

Managing grants can be complex and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools, you can simplify every stage of the grant lifecycle, from application to reporting. 

Bonterra’s comprehensive suite of solutions is designed to help organizations of all sizes streamline their grant management processes and maximize their impact.

FAQ

Why is grant management important? 

Effective grant management is crucial for maximizing the impact of philanthropic giving, ensuring accountability, and streamlining administrative processes for both grantmakers and grant recipients.

What is the best way to organize grant files? 

The best way to organize grant files is to use a consistent and logical system within your grant management software or a well-structured physical filing system. Categorize files by grant name, year, or funding source, and use clear naming conventions to ensure easy retrieval centralized in one location.

What is the best grant management software? 

The “best” grant management software depends on your organization’s specific needs and budget. That said, Bonterra Cybergrants stands out as it’s particularly well-suited for corporations with complex CSR and grantmaking programs.  

How much does grant management software cost? 

Grant management software pricing varies widely, from free to $3,500 a year, depending on the vendor, features, and the size of your organization. Some vendors offer tiered pricing based on the number of users or grants managed, while others charge a flat fee or offer custom pricing.