Securing grants is the lifeline of organizations relying on external funding. It sustains operations, launches new programs and extends impact. However, it’s just the first step. What happens after matters just as much. Successfully managing the entire grant life cycle, from application and review to award, monitoring and reporting, is critical.
Without the right tools, handling grants can quickly become an overwhelming cycle of juggling multiple requests, tracking requirements on dizzying spreadsheets, and meeting deadlines — all while staying transparent with funders. This is where purpose-built grant management software proves invaluable. It streamlines workflows to ease development workers of administrative tasks so they can refocus their time and energy on more impactful initiatives.
Key Features to Look for in Grant Management Software
The right features will support your work from anywhere and simplify complex processes. Here are the essential capabilities to look for.
- Cloud accessibility and remote collaboration: Modern grant software should be cloud-based so teams can access data and work together in real time, no matter where they are stationed. This ensures that everyone, including grant writers, finance teams and program managers, stays aligned despite varying time zones and projects.
- Integration with existing nonprofit tech stacks: A good platform shouldn’t need to reset your entire workflow back to zero. Instead, you should be able to integrate your current accounting tools, CRMs and fundraising software with the new system to reduce duplication and keep information consistent across departments.
- Security, compliance and data privacy: Any nonprofit that handles personal data, particularly those in humanitarian aid, social services and vulnerable populations, needs strict data privacy practices. Look for platforms that offer encryption, role-based access and tools to help you meet funders’ and regulators’ compliance requirements.
- Automation and workflow management: Automation reduces manual tasks like deadline reminders and application tracking. Workflow tools ensure that every step is detailed, repeatable and timely.
- Configurable reporting and analytics: Board and funder updates need clear, tailored insights. Strong reporting functions let you monitor outcomes, measure impact and make data-driven decisions with less time and effort than manual methods.
By focusing on these features, development professionals can streamline grant processes, improve transparency and spend more time advancing their mission.
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The 10 Best Grant Management Tools for Nonprofits
Discover the 10 best grant management tools for nonprofits in the U.S. in 2025. Compare features, and benefits to simplify your grant process.
Tool | Best For | Key Features | Ease of Use | Unique Benefit |
IGX Solutions | State agencies, configurable for your needs | Workflow automation, outcome tracking, and reporting | High – very user-friendly after setup | Trusted by public agencies, adaptable without high cost |
Candid | Grantseekers needing data + learning | Funder profiles, 990s, educational tools | High intuitive with training support | Largest funder database, free training resources |
Blackbaud Grantmaking | Large foundations, institutions | Full life cycle tools, applicant portals, and dashboards | Moderate to High — needs onboarding | Enterprise-grade tool with deep customization |
Instrumentl | Teams seeking smart grant discovery | Smart matching, deadline tracking, 990 data | Very High – plug-and-play | Intelligently finds niche-aligned funding |
GrantHub | Small to mid-sized nonprofits | Application intake, deadline reminders, tracking | High – great for lean teams | Budget-friendly and intuitive grant life cycle tool |
The Catholic Funding Guide | Catholic organizations seeking aligned funders | Niche database, Amplify project sharing | High – basic but effective | Access to Catholic funders not found elsewhere |
Good Grants | Foundations needing UX and collaboration | Custom workflows, scoring tools, and reporting | Very High – praised for intuitive design | Global support and exceptional collaboration features |
Bonterra CyberGrants | Corporations with CSR, complex programs | Grant life cycle, employee engagement, and automation | Moderate – designed for large-scale use | Unified platform for grants, volunteering and gift matching |
Fluxx | Large orgs seeking deep reporting + flexibility | Custom dashboards, KPI tracking, workflow automation | Moderate to advanced features – steep learning | High-powered analytics for complex portfolios |
Grants.gov | Nonprofits applying for U.S. federal grants | Free centralized listings, Workspace, submission tools | Low to Moderate | Free, official federal grant gateway |
Here is the top grant management software that organizations in the U.S. trust.
1. IGX Solutions
IGX Solutions’ IntelliGrants® IGX delivers a preconfigured and powerful tool that evolves with you without the hefty price tag. Performance-wise, it allows you to track all data inputted into the system at any stage of your grant’s life cycle in an easy-to-use platform. Use it to trace outcomes, automate deadline reminders and generate personalized reports.
These features already make it the leading platform nationwide. That is why over 120 clients in 33 states, including major agencies like the New Jersey DOL and Kentucky Justice Cabinet, trust IntelliGrants IGX. Do more with less from the get-go. It’s grant management simplified.
2. Candid
Candid is a legacy grant database that makes finding, evaluating and securing funding easier. You can access over 225,000 expanded grant-maker profiles, 108,000 recipients and searchable 990s through its Foundation Directory Online. You can find the best and widest range of opportunities for your organization, as funders of all sizes and donors rely on it to inform their philanthropic decisions.
It’s also perfect for those looking for free learning resources. It offers webinars, training sessions and practical resources at no charge to ensure you’re well-equipped before you request philanthropic aid or submit reports.
3. Blackbaud Grantmaking
Blackbaud Grantmaking is the choice if you’re a large nonprofit, foundation or government agency. It’s a powerful, enterprise-grade solution designed for comprehensive functionality and has an established reputation. Blackbaud Grantmaking supports every stage of the grant life cycle — from application intake and collaborative review to award disbursement and automated summaries.
Streamline your operations with customizable workflows, intuitive applicant portals and centralized review panels. Improve your efficiency and transparency with capabilities like custom scoring rubrics, real-time tracking and one-click budget reports. If you’re already using other Blackbaud tools, integration is a no-brainer. Whether managing multiple fundings at once or needing to improve efficiency, Blackbaud Grantmaking offers extensive capabilities to suit your needs.
4. Instrumentl
If you’re after grant discovery and monitoring, Instrumentl is an all-in-one tool to help you oversee grants, multiple projects and new programs. It helps you stay ahead of grant cycles and reporting with deadline tracking, automated reminders, 990 insights and real-time team coordination. It’s especially useful for teams applying to multiple funders at once or needing to share progress with boards or partners.
However, it is a standout because it intelligently matches funding opportunities to your mission, location and budget size, helping you discover lesser-known grants for niche initiatives like rural youth outreach or environmental pilot studies. Plus, it’s easy to use out of the box, making it a top choice for nonprofits of all sizes.
5. GrantHub
GrantHub is another user-friendly, cloud-based option for small to mid-sized nonprofits and corporate programs. It simplifies the entire grant life cycle — from customizable application intake and automated reviews to deadline tracking, document storage and impact reporting.
Lean teams managing multiple submissions can find it ideal thanks to its intuitive dashboard that keeps things organized. Never miss a deadline with automated reminders. Work across time zones with real-time collaboration tools. Outlining accomplishments and progress is made easier with reporting functionalities to generate documentation on grant activity and follow relevant metrics.
6. The Catholic Funding Guide
If your nonprofit mission is rooted in Catholic values, The Catholic Funding Guide can be your bridge to aligned funders. For over 35 years, this specialized database has helped ministries, schools and faith-based nonprofits connect with hard-to-find Catholic grantmakers — from religious orders to diocesan programs.
With tools like Amplify, you can even post your project for funders to discover. While its design may feel basic, its niche power lies in saving time by surfacing faith-aligned funders you won’t easily find elsewhere. For Catholic organizations, it’s less about flash or tech-forward intricacies and more about fit.
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7. Good Grants
Sometimes, the user interface prevents you from getting the most out of your tool of choice. That’s not a problem with Good Grants. This user-friendly grant management platform is built for foundations and grantmaking organizations of all sizes. From the first login, the platform’s intuitive interface makes launching programs easy, building privacy-conscious forms and inviting reviewers into a seamless scoring process.
Good Grants also simplifies every stage of the grant life cycle. It handles applications, reviews, awards and reports — all in one secure cloud-based system. With built-in collaboration tools and support for multi-language and multi-currency programs, it’s ideal for organizations running competitive or recurring grants. It’s also the platform of choice for foundations like the British Council and Aidsfonds.
8. Bonterra CyberGrants
Bonterra CyberGrants makes overseeing complex grantmaking and corporate giving feel effortless. Whether you’re managing disaster relief funds, employee volunteer programs or matching gifts, Bonterra keeps everything connected in one intuitive space.
What makes it stand out is the comprehensive suite of features you get along with employee engagement tools that few providers offer. Bonterra helps corporations oversee the entire grant life cycle to ensure a smooth transition from one phase to the next. Own the workflows by customizing them, make reporting easier with real-time insights and never miss a deadline with the powerful automation it comes with. Nonprofits needing a scalable, easy-to-use solution can find something useful in Bonterra.
9. Fluxx
Fluxx is another enterprise-grade grant option for organizations with complex, high-volume giving programs. It offers the best tools to stay organized and impactful, from corporations managing employee giving and sponsorships to nonprofits and foundations overseeing multi-phase grants. Fluxx’s customizable workflows, real-time dashboards and robust impact measurement functions help streamline operations while offering deep insights into program outcomes.
There’s a reason why major players like the MacArthur Foundation and state agencies trust Fluxx. It empowers teams to automate tasks, work together seamlessly and focus on making data-driven decisions that maximize mission-driven results. Fluxx is the choice if you’re a large group seeking a strong reporting and analytics platform.
10. Grants.gov
Grants.gov is the go-to gateway for nonprofits ready to explore federal funding in the United States. As the official source for all federal grant opportunities, it offers a free, centralized hub where organizations can easily search, request, and track their applications.
While navigating federal grants can quickly become more complex, Grants.gov supports users with training tools and a collaborative workspace that helps teams manage submissions without missing a step. For mission-driven nonprofits aiming to scale their impact through government programs, learning to navigate Grants.gov is a must. It’s free to use and only requires a formal application and documentation to get your organization started.
Be Granted an Edge With the Right Platform
With each grant you apply for, your initiatives live on. Choosing the right grant management tool can differentiate between missed opportunities and mission-aligned growth. The best tool streamlines the process and helps secure funds. Investing in the right system isn’t just about staying organized. It’s about ensuring the people and causes you serve continue to receive the support they need.
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