Finding the right grant management software can be a game-changer for organizations. Whether you’re a nonprofit, a school, or a government agency, having a tool that streamlines your grant processes is essential. There are many options out there, from Bloomerang to SurveyMonkeyApply, each offering unique features to help you manage your grants efficiently. This article explores the top alternatives to Salesforce, providing insights into what each platform can offer.
Key Takeaways
- Grant management software helps streamline the grant application and tracking process.
- Different platforms offer unique features like customizable application processes and reporting tools.
- Options like Bloomerang and Submittable are popular for their user-friendly interfaces.
- Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a robust option but may come with a learning curve.
- Choosing the right software depends on your organization’s specific needs and budget.
1. Bloomerang
Bloomerang is a standout CRM tailored for small to medium-sized nonprofits, focusing on enhancing donor engagement and boosting fundraising efforts. Its user-friendly design makes it easy for organizations to manage donor data effectively.
Key Features
- Donor Management: Capture and organize detailed records of donor interactions, donations, and other crucial data.
- Engagement Meter: Track donor engagement levels to identify potential high-impact donors and strengthen relationships.
- Email Marketing: Use integrated tools to create, send, and monitor email campaigns directly from the platform.
- Event Management: Manage event registrations, ticket sales, and attendee tracking seamlessly.
Pricing
Bloomerang offers tiered pricing based on the number of records managed:
- Tier 1: Up to 1,000 records – starts at $99/month.
- Tier 2: Up to 5,000 records – custom pricing.
- Tier 3: More than 5,000 records – custom pricing.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Integrated fundraising, marketing, and reporting tools.
- Cons:
- Can be expensive for larger organizations.
- Limited customization options.
Bloomerang is crafted by fundraisers for fundraisers, offering a tool that truly understands nonprofit needs. Whether you’re managing donors or planning events, Bloomerang provides a comprehensive solution to streamline your operations.
2. Submittable
Submittable is recognized as the best grant management software, streamlining the grant management process through automated workflows. It’s a tool that many organizations rely on to handle their submissions, whether it’s for grants, contests, or any other application-based programs. What makes it stand out? Let’s dig in.
Key Features:
- Application Management: Submittable simplifies the creation of custom forms, making it a breeze to manage submissions and organize the review process. Need to include file uploads or text entries? No problem.
- Automation: This platform does the heavy lifting by automating repetitive tasks. Think of sending acknowledgment emails or moving submissions through various review stages without lifting a finger.
- Reporting and Analytics: Want insights into submission trends or reviewer performance? Submittable’s reporting tools have you covered.
Pricing: Submittable offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. Basic plans start around $99 per month. However, if you’re looking for more features like advanced reporting, expect to pay more.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface: Its clean and intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to navigate, whether you’re an admin or a user.
- Efficient Workflow Management: From the moment submissions are received to the final decision, everything is streamlined.
Cons:
- Cost: Smaller organizations might find it a bit pricey, especially if they need premium features.
- Customization Limitations: Unless you’re on a higher-tier plan, customization might feel a bit restricted.
Submittable takes the hassle out of managing submissions, letting you focus on what really matters—making informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
3. Instrumentl
Instrumentl is a pretty solid choice when it comes to grant management software, especially for nonprofits, educational institutions, and research organizations. This platform is all about making grant-seeking less of a hassle. It combines grant discovery, tracking, and management tools all in one place.
Key Features
- Grant Discovery: Instrumentl lets you dig into a massive database of grant opportunities. You can filter by focus area, applicant type, and even geography to find the perfect match.
- Project Matching: Automatically pairs your projects with the most relevant grants, saving you loads of time.
- Deadline Tracking: Never miss out on a submission deadline again with their handy tracking tool.
- Performance Metrics: Keep tabs on your grant applications’ success rates and the performance of ongoing grants.
Pricing
Instrumentl isn’t the cheapest option out there, starting at around $195 per month. But they do offer a trial period or demo, so you can give it a whirl before committing.
Pros
- Efficient Search: The search engine and matching algorithms are top-notch, cutting down the time you spend hunting for grants.
- Comprehensive Tracking: Stay on top of every grant opportunity and make sure your submissions are timely and well-managed.
Cons
- Costly for Smaller Orgs: The starting price might be a bit steep for small nonprofits or startups.
- Feature Complexity: Some folks find the platform a bit overwhelming at first due to its detailed features.
Instrumentl aims to streamline the grant-seeking process, enhancing the effectiveness of fundraising efforts through grants.
For more leading grant management software solutions, check out our guide. It highlights essential features and provides helpful tips.
4. Blackbaud Grantmaking
Blackbaud Grantmaking is a comprehensive tool designed to simplify the grant management process for foundations and philanthropic organizations. This software offers a range of features that help manage everything from applications to awards and reporting.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Analytics: This feature allows organizations to generate detailed reports and insights into their grantmaking activities.
- Integration Capabilities: The software integrates seamlessly with other Blackbaud products and various other software systems, enhancing its utility.
- Customizable Workflows: Users can tailor workflows to fit their specific processes, enabling the design of application forms, review processes, and reporting templates that align with their operational standards and goals.
- Grant Lifecycle Management: Handles the entire process, including applications, reviews, awards, and monitoring outcomes and reports from grantees.
Pricing
While Blackbaud Grantmaking doesn’t publicly list specific pricing details, it typically customizes its offerings based on the size and needs of the organization. On average, the pricing per month is around $325. Potential customers need to contact Blackbaud directly for a quote tailored to their specific requirements.
Pros
- Scalability: The software is highly scalable, making it suitable for both small foundations and large philanthropic institutions.
- Robust Reporting and Compliance Tools: Offers extensive tools for reporting and ensuring compliance, crucial for organizations adhering to specific regulatory requirements.
Cons
- Complexity and Learning Curve: With its extensive features, Blackbaud Grantmaking can be complex to use, potentially overwhelming new users who might require significant training.
- Cost: Known to be on the pricier side, particularly for smaller organizations or those with limited budgets, which can be a barrier for non-profits with constrained financial resources.
Blackbaud Grantmaking offers a powerful solution for managing grants, but its complexity and cost may require careful consideration for smaller organizations.
For those interested in advanced CRM features, Raiser’s Edge NXT by Blackbaud is a leading CRM solution that complements grant management with donor management capabilities.
5. Grant Lifecycle Manager
Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) is a tool that really packs a punch for anyone dealing with grants. It’s like your all-in-one solution for handling grants from start to finish. If you’re part of a foundation, a government agency, or a nonprofit, this could be a game changer.
Key Features
- Full Lifecycle Management: GLM covers every step of the grant process. From the moment you start looking for applications to the final reports, it’s got you covered.
- Automated Workflows: Say goodbye to repetitive tasks. With GLM, things like reminders and status updates happen automatically.
- Customizable Forms and Fields: You can tweak application forms and reports to fit exactly what you need.
- Robust Reporting and Analytics: Dive into detailed reports and use analytics to make better decisions for future grants.
Benefits
- Time Saver: By automating so many processes, you save loads of time.
- Error Reduction: Automation helps cut down on mistakes, which is always a good thing.
- Tailored Solutions: The ability to customize means the software can grow with your needs.
“GLM is like having a personal assistant that never takes a day off. It keeps everything organized and running smoothly, so you can focus on what really matters.”
Pricing
GLM doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all price tag. They offer custom pricing based on what your organization needs. You’ll need to reach out to them to get a quote tailored to your situation.
Considerations
- Learning Curve: With all its features, it might take some time to get the hang of GLM.
- Cost: Depending on your requirements, it might not be the cheapest option out there.
In short, if you’re looking for a comprehensive tool to manage your grants, Grant Lifecycle Manager is worth a look. It might just be the partner you need in your grant management journey.
6. Submit.com
Submit.com is a robust platform designed to manage applications and submissions effectively. Whether you’re dealing with grants, awards, or scholarships, this tool has got you covered. It’s a game-changer for organizations looking to streamline their submission processes.
Key Features
- Application Management: Customize forms, automate submission collection, and keep everything organized in one place. This feature ensures that you can track applications with ease.
- Review Tools: Set up workflows for multiple reviewers to assess submissions based on set criteria, making the evaluation process fair and systematic.
- Workflow Automation: From receiving applications to making final decisions, many steps are automated, cutting down on manual tasks and speeding up operations.
- Reporting and Analytics: Dive into data with comprehensive reporting tools that help you make informed decisions and keep an eye on trends.
Pricing
Submit.com starts at about $95 monthly. They offer various plans that can scale with your needs, ensuring a tailored fit for different organizational requirements.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Users love the clean and intuitive design, making it easy to navigate even if you’re not tech-savvy.
- Flexibility: Customize forms, workflows, and review processes to suit your needs.
Cons
- Cost Factor: The starting price might be a bit high for smaller organizations.
- Complexity in Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming, especially for newcomers.
Submit.com stands out in the field of application management. Its ability to automate and customize makes it a valuable tool for organizations of all sizes. However, the cost and initial setup might require some consideration. For those looking for a free alternative, Clockify offers efficient grant tracking and management, trusted by big names like HP and Sony.
7. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a tailored solution designed to cater specifically to the needs of nonprofit organizations. Built on the robust Salesforce platform, it offers a suite of tools to help manage relationships, fundraising, programs, and operations efficiently.
Key Features:
- Constituent Relationship Management (CRM): Centralizes all interactions and data, allowing nonprofits to track relationships, donations, memberships, and more from one integrated platform.
- Fundraising and Donation Management: Streamlines the process of managing donations, tracking campaign performance, and automating gift entries.
- Program Management: Enables organizations to effectively track and manage programs from planning through execution, including outcome measurement.
- Reporting and Analytics: Offers powerful analytics and customizable dashboards to provide insights into campaign success, donor trends, and financial health.
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of tools that allow nonprofits to manage their operations effectively, making it a popular choice among organizations of all sizes.
Pricing:
Pricing for Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is customized based on an organization’s needs and size. Salesforce provides a base package with 10 free subscriptions to eligible nonprofits, but additional costs can accrue depending on the number of users and level of customization required.
Pros:
- Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with a wide range of other Salesforce apps and third-party systems, enhancing functionality.
- Scalability: As needs grow, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud can scale to accommodate increased demands without sacrificing performance.
Cons:
- The complexity of the system may require hiring specialists for setup and maintenance, which can be costly for smaller nonprofits.
For nonprofits trying to decide between Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud and NPSP, understanding the differences can be crucial in making the right choice for their needs and budget.
8. Serenic Navigator
When it comes to managing financials in nonprofits and public sector organizations, Serenic Navigator stands out as a robust option. Built on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central platform, it offers a cloud-based ERP solution tailored specifically for these entities. Serenic Navigator provides a suite of tools designed to streamline financial management and improve operational efficiency.
Key Features
- Advanced Financial Management: Serenic Navigator delivers comprehensive capabilities for financial reporting, budgeting, and accounting. This ensures compliance and provides detailed oversight of financial activities.
- Award and Grant Management: It facilitates effective management of grants and awards from initial receipt to final reporting, ensuring organizations comply with funding regulations.
- Multi-Currency and Multilingual Support: With support for multiple currencies and languages, Serenic Navigator is ideal for international organizations.
- Project Accounting: This feature allows for precise tracking of project costs and budget management, ensuring projects stay within financial constraints.
Pricing
The pricing for Serenic Navigator is custom and varies based on the specific needs and size of the organization. Interested parties should reach out to Serenic for a quote and potential demonstration.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integration with Microsoft Products: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products like Office 365, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Offers robust reporting tools that provide detailed insights into financial data, aiding informed decision-making.
Cons:
- Complexity: The extensive features might be overwhelming for smaller organizations or those without a dedicated IT department.
- Cost: As a highly specialized tool, it might be more expensive than other solutions, especially for smaller nonprofits or those with limited budgets.
For nonprofits and government agencies seeking a comprehensive financial management solution, Serenic Navigator offers integrated tools to enhance financial management and operational efficiency, though it may come with a learning curve and higher costs.
9. Good Grants
Good Grants is a solid choice for organizations looking to streamline their grant management processes. It’s designed to simplify the complex world of grant applications and administration. With a focus on user-friendliness and efficiency, Good Grants offers a suite of tools that cater to both small and large organizations.
Key Features
- User-Friendly Interface: Navigating through the platform is straightforward, making it easy for both applicants and administrators to use. This enhances engagement and reduces the learning curve.
- Automation Tools: Good Grants automates many of the repetitive tasks involved in grant management, freeing up time for more strategic activities.
- Real-Time Analytics: The software provides real-time insights into application statuses and funding distribution, helping organizations make informed decisions quickly.
Pricing
Good Grants offers a tiered pricing model:
| Plan Type | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $79/month | Suitable for smaller programs |
| Premium | Custom pricing | Advanced features and support |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface that enhances user satisfaction.
- Efficient management tools that reduce administrative burdens.
- Real-time analytics for quick decision-making.
Cons:
- Limited customization options in lower-tier plans.
- Performance issues when handling large datasets.
Good Grants is a capable tool for grant management, particularly for those who prioritize ease of use and efficient processing. While it might not offer extensive customization at lower price points, its core features are robust enough for most needs.
10. SurveyMonkeyApply
SurveyMonkeyApply is a powerful tool designed to simplify the process of managing applications. It’s widely used by schools, nonprofits, and businesses for handling grants, scholarships, and more. Its ability to streamline complex workflows makes it a top choice for many organizations.
Key Features
- Customizable Application Processes: Tailor application forms and procedures to your specific needs, with options for multiple stages and deadlines.
- Advanced Reviewer Portal: Offers a secure, user-friendly space for reviewers to efficiently assess applications based on set criteria.
- Automated Workflows: Cuts down on repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails, reducing manual errors and saving time.
- Robust Reporting and Analytics: Provides tools to analyze data, generate reports, and gain insights into program effectiveness.
Pricing
SurveyMonkeyApply’s pricing starts at about $350 per month. The cost can vary depending on the number of programs managed and the level of customization needed. For a detailed quote, it’s best to contact them directly.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Known for its clean and intuitive design, making it easy for both applicants and administrators.
- Highly Customizable: Organizations can tailor applications and reviews to meet specific needs.
Cons
- Cost: The starting price might be high for smaller organizations with limited budgets.
- Learning Curve: Despite being user-friendly, the extensive features may require time to learn and adapt to.
SurveyMonkeyApply simplifies the application process, but its cost and complexity may require consideration, especially for smaller organizations.
In conclusion, SurveyMonkeyApply is a robust choice for those looking to manage applications efficiently. It offers a range of features that cater to different needs, making it a versatile tool in the grant management software landscape.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. Picking the right grant software can really make a difference in how smoothly your organization runs. Whether you’re a nonprofit, a school, or a government agency, there’s something out there that fits your needs. From Bloomerang to Submittable, each option has its own perks. Some are great for customizing applications, others excel in reporting. The key is to find what works best for you. Investing in the right tool not only helps you manage grants better but also keeps you in line with all the rules and helps you get the most out of your funding. It’s all about making the process easier and more effective. So, take your time, weigh your options, and choose wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grant management software?
Grant management software is a tool that helps organizations handle everything related to grants. It makes managing applications, tracking funds, and ensuring compliance easier.
Which is the best website for finding grants?
Grants.gov is a top site for finding federal funding opportunities. It’s great for organizations working on government-funded projects.
Can you explain SAP Grant Management?
SAP Grant Management offers solutions for managing sponsored programs. It provides a separate view of your organization’s activities and projects.
What does Salesforce Grants Management do?
Salesforce Grants Management is designed for grantmakers to simplify their processes. It helps get important funding to communities quickly.
How does grant management software help organizations?
Grant management software helps by making the grant process more efficient. It offers features like tracking applications, managing funds, and generating reports.
Why is choosing the right grant management software important?
Selecting the right software is crucial for managing grants effectively. It ensures compliance and helps organizations maximize funding opportunities.
