About Bader Philanthropies
Client: Bader Philanthropies
Industry: Private Foundation – Charitable
Key Stakeholders: Kim Thao (Operations Manager)
Client Since: 2019
Tools Used: SmartSimple Cloud
Overview
Bader Philanthropies, a Milwaukee-based foundation granting over $16 million annually, sought a modern, cloud-based solution to replace its outdated and rigid grants management software, GIFTS Classic. With increasing demands, limited user access, and a lack of flexibility holding the organization back, Bader turned to SmartSimple Cloud to streamline its operations. By transitioning to a more responsive, automated, and accessible platform, Bader significantly enhanced internal efficiencies, improved the experience for applicants, and gained greater visibility into its grantmaking impact, all while reducing costs and preparing for future growth.
$16 million
annually in grants
Challenges
Bader Philanthropies had been using GIFTS Classic for years. While once adequate, the software had become a bottleneck:
- Limited user access: Only 7 licenses for a 17-person team
- No remote access: All work had to be done in the office
- Cumbersome processes: Uploading applications could take a full day
- Poor support: Response times from the vendor stretched to days
- Inflexible system: Customization was nearly impossible
- Rising costs: Every extra feature or user added to their bill
The team needed a modern, cloud-based solution that could scale with them, support remote access, and reduce administrative burden.
Solutions Implemented
After seeing a live demo of SmartSimple Cloud, Bader Philanthropies saw immediate potential in the platform’s flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendly interface. Key capabilities included:
- Cloud-based access from anywhere
- Unlimited user access with pay-per-use pricing
- Fully automated workflows and email reminders
- A powerful budgeting module with PRI amortization tracking
- Easy, fast document uploads
- Dedicated Support Representative through Premium Support
Impact & Outcomes
With SmartSimple Cloud fully implemented, Bader Philanthropies has seen dramatic improvements across the board:
- No user limits: Everyone can access the system at once, no more juggling licenses
- Automated email reminders: No delays in communication
- Streamlined budgeting: The PRI amortization feature instantly updates repayments in real time
- Improved applicant experience: Easier, clearer submission process with organization-wide visibility
- Stronger reporting: Custom reports can be created and shared effortlessly
- Premium Support: A dedicated representative with deep knowledge of Bader’s system
Client Testimonials
“The SmartSimple team really listened to what we wanted and needed in a grants management system. They offered the flexibility and accessibility we were looking for at a reasonable price. Our applicants also praise the system, finding that completing their applications is so much easier and involves a lot less work than with GIFTS.”
— Kim Thao, Operations Manager
“The overwhelming response was, ‘that’s all I need to do?’ They all said it was much easier to use than GIFTS and there was less actual work for them to do to complete an application.”
— Kim Thao, Operations Manager
Key Takeaways
By moving from an outdated, restrictive legacy system to SmartSimple Cloud, Bader Philanthropies has empowered its team, streamlined its grantmaking, and improved its service to the community. This transformation demonstrates how technology, when aligned with mission and process, can unlock new levels of efficiency and impact for modern philanthropic organizations.