This article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated for 2025 with the latest grant software trends and comparison criteria.
Grantmaking is a complex process. It requires careful evaluation, efficient fund accounting, and consistent tracking of outcomes.
While some smaller organizations still rely on spreadsheets or word processors to manage this work, many funders are turning to grant management software to streamline processes, automate tasks, centralize data, and uncover actionable insights.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the benefits of grant management solutions, what to look for in a system, and our top picks for the best grant management software for foundations in 2025.
The best grant management software in 2025: What’s changed and what still matters
Outdated systems, from scattered spreadsheets to paper-based reviews, can create unnecessary bottlenecks in the grantmaking process. Applications pile up, revisions take longer, and manual reviews slow progress.
Today, foundations face more pressure than ever to manage and review applications, track impact, and share results, often with limited staff capacity. The right grant management software removes those barriers, streamlining operations so funders can focus on strategic grantmaking and community impact.
What makes great grant management software for funders
Managing grants without dedicated software is technically possible, but it’s rarely efficient. Manual processes and disconnected systems lead to duplicated work, errors, and a heavier administrative burden on staff.
A complete grant lifecycle solution eases the burden by:
- Streamlining workflows: Automate routine tasks and reduce paperwork.
- Improving decision-making: Use data analytics to inform funding strategies.
- Enhancing collaboration: Simplify communication among staff, applicants, and reviewers.
- Strengthening compliance: Ensure adherence to regulations and reporting requirements.
- Maximizing impact: Allocate resources effectively and measure outcomes.
- Preserving institutional knowledge: Maintain historical grant data for future planning.
The best platforms make it easy for everyone involved, including reviewers and grantseekers, to submit, review, and track awards in one secure system.
Comparison criteria: What we looked for in top grant management systems
When identifying the top software options, we prioritized tools that scored highly for:
- User experience and interface
- Quality of onboarding and support
- Flexibility in workflow configuration
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Seamless integration with fund accounting and donor management systems
Key features we looked for include:
- Application creation and review: Build and customize grant forms, then manage reviews in one place.
- Data collection and storage: Centralize application details, performance metrics, and historical records.
- Built-in reporting: Access insights on program performance and funding allocation.
- Automated communications: Keep applicants, reviewers, and staff informed without extra manual work.
- Integrations: Connect with other tools for accounting, donor relations, or compliance tracking.
By combining these features, the right scholarship management software or grant tracking software does more than just streamline applications; it creates a reliable donor management database and simplifies grant compliance. This ensures that your team spends less time on administrative tasks and more time driving impact where it matters most.
Top grant management software for foundations in 2025
Finding the right tools is key to managing grants effectively. Here are the top grant management software options for foundations in 2025, built to streamline applications, improve reporting, and ensure grant compliance.
Leading Grant Management Platforms: GLM, GivingData, and SmartSimple
Three of the most widely adopted platforms in the philanthropic grants management space are Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM), GivingData, and SmartSimple. Each provides secure, configurable workflows and comprehensive lifecycle management, with the flexibility to meet the needs of foundations, nonprofits, and other funding organizations.
At a glance
| Category | Foundant GLM | GivingData | SmartSimple |
| Best for | Grantmaking organizations of all sizes, including private/family foundations, education, healthcare, and community foundations | Mid-to-large foundations looking to streamline grantmaking and strengthen grantee/funder relationships | Organizations of all sizes needing highly configurable, enterprise-grade grant and program management |
| Main features | – Full grant lifecycle management – Online applications and reviews – Custom forms – Robust reporting and analytics dashboard – Built-in communications – Integrations with CommunitySuite (fund accounting) and SLM (scholarships) | – End-to-end grants management – Strong relationship tracking (CRM-style) – Dashboards for both funders and grantees – Advanced reporting – Collaboration features for grantee communications | – Configurable workflows for grants, scholarships, and programs – Multilingual/multicurrency support – Automation and compliance tracking – Advanced reporting and visualization – Broad third-party integrations |
| Pros | Comprehensive and configurable – User-friendly for applicants/reviewers – Strong reporting tools – Unlimited client services support | – Excellent funder–grantee collaboration tools – Highly rated customer support – Intuitive dashboards – Strong transparency focus | – Extremely flexible/configurable – Scalable for complex global organizations – Broad functionality beyond grants – Powerful automation |
| Cons | – Higher cost for smaller organizations – Mobile experience could improve – Advanced reporting has a learning curve | – Implementation can be complex – Pricing less transparent – May be more than needed for small orgs | -Configuration complexity requires training -Potentially higher total cost – Interface less intuitive for casual users |
| Pricing | $4,250–$9,500/year (depending on size/features) | Custom pricing (varies by foundation size and needs) | Custom pricing (based on configuration, scale, and modules) |
| Customer ratings (Capterra, 50 reviews) | Ease: 4.6 Support: 4.9 | Ease: ~4.5 Support: ~4.8 | Ease: ~4.4 Support: ~4.7 |
Other software tools to consider
Beyond the leading platform, there are other valuable tools worth exploring. These solutions may not be full grant management systems, but can still support scholarship management, donor databases, and grant compliance in specific ways.
Blackbaud Grantmaking
Enterprise-ready with customizable workflows, robust reporting, and Blackbaud suite integrations.
At a glance
| Best for | Large foundations and organizations needing enterprise-level features and deep integrations |
| Main features | Comprehensive grant management system Customizable workflows Strong reporting Integrations with Blackbaud suite |
| Pros | Comprehensive system Customizable workflows Strong reporting |
| Cons | Steep learning curve Support/training varies |
| Pricing | From $4,995/year |
| Customer ratings (Capterra, 20 reviews) | Ease: 3.4Service: 3.9 |
Fluxx Grantmaker
Highly configurable with collaboration tools, budgeting, and broad integrations.
At a glance
| Best for | Organizations that need highly flexible, collaborative, and integrated grant management |
| Main features | Flexible workflows and forms Collaboration features Budgeting tools Third-party integrations |
| Pros | Flexible workflows/forms Collaboration features Third-party integrations |
| Cons | Complex setup Inconsistent support Limited reporting without an add-on |
| Pricing | From $13,500/year |
| Customer ratings (Capterra, 91 reviews) | Ease: 3.9Service: 4.9 |
Submittable
Fast to implement with automation, CSR features, and easy collaboration.
At a glance
| Best for | Organizations seeking quick implementation, automation, and CSR program management |
| Main features | Streamlined submission and grant management Automation tools Collaboration features CSR capabilities Reporting dashboards |
| Pros | Streamlined management User-friendly Good reporting |
| Cons | Steep learning curve Limited form customization Extra cost for phone/chat support |
| Pricing | From $10,000/year |
| Customer ratings (Capterra, 391 reviews) | Ease: 4.5Service: 4.8 |
Good Grants
Secure, multilingual platform with strong compliance and integration options.
At a glance
| Best for | Global organizations and programs needing strong compliance, security, and multilingual support |
| Main features | Secure, multilingual platform Intuitive interface Strong compliance features Integration options |
| Pros | Intuitive interface Excellent support Robust security |
| Cons | Limited “season” management features May be more than small programs need |
| Pricing | Intro: $3,467/year Premium: $6,995.02/year Enterprise: Contact vendor |
| Customer ratings (Capterra, 16 reviews) | Ease: 5.0 Service: 5.0 |
How to choose what works best for your organization
Your grant management software should support your foundation’s entire grant lifecycle, from application intake and review to reporting, budgeting, and evaluation.
As you compare options, keep these factors in mind:
- Assess your needs: Identify essential features before you start demos.
- Prioritize functionality: Focus on the capabilities that will have the greatest operational impact.
- Consider your budget: Weigh subscription costs alongside time savings and efficiency gains.
- Look at ease of use: Choose a platform that’s intuitive for both staff and external users.
- Evaluate support: Strong onboarding and responsive support can make all the difference.
Choosing the right grant management platform is ultimately about finding the best fit for your organization’s goals and capacity. By balancing features, usability, and long-term value, you’ll be better positioned to select a solution that supports your mission and sets you up for lasting success.
Start your search with confidence
Grantmaking is an involved process, especially when you have multiple qualified applicants and programs to manage. Your software shouldn’t make it harder.
Foundant’s grant management solutions are designed to meet the needs of modern grantmakers, helping to streamline complex workflows, improve collaboration, and support every stakeholder throughout the grant lifecycle.
Start a conversation with Foundant to see how GLM can support your foundation in 2025 and beyond.
