Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fluxx - Comprehensive grant management platform automating workflows, reporting, and collaboration for foundations.
- 2#2: Blackbaud Grantmaking - Robust grantmaking software with CRM integration for streamlined funding decisions and compliance.
- 3#3: Submittable - Powerful application management tool for grants, awards, and reviews with custom workflows.
- 4#4: SmartSimple - End-to-end grants management system handling applications, evaluations, and payments.
- 5#5: Foundant - Philanthropy management software for grant tracking, reporting, and donor engagement.
- 6#6: Instrumentl - Grant discovery and tracking platform to identify and manage funding opportunities.
- 7#7: Bonterra - Integrated fundraising and grants management with donor insights and impact measurement.
- 8#8: CommunityForce - Online grants management system for applications, reviews, and fund disbursement.
- 9#9: eCivis - Grants administration software focused on compliance and lifecycle management for public sectors.
- 10#10: OpenGrants - Collaborative grantmaking platform for portfolio management and team coordination.
These tools were ranked based on key factors including feature robustness (automation, reporting, integration), user experience (intuitive design, support), reliability, and value for money, ensuring they deliver consistent results across funding lifecycle stages.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top Funding Management Software tools, including Fluxx, Blackbaud Grantmaking, Submittable, SmartSimple, Foundant, and more, to guide users in selecting a solution. By evaluating key features, workflows, and scalability, readers will discover which tool best fits their organization's funding management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fluxx Comprehensive grant management platform automating workflows, reporting, and collaboration for foundations. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Blackbaud Grantmaking Robust grantmaking software with CRM integration for streamlined funding decisions and compliance. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Submittable Powerful application management tool for grants, awards, and reviews with custom workflows. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | SmartSimple End-to-end grants management system handling applications, evaluations, and payments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Foundant Philanthropy management software for grant tracking, reporting, and donor engagement. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Instrumentl Grant discovery and tracking platform to identify and manage funding opportunities. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Bonterra Integrated fundraising and grants management with donor insights and impact measurement. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | CommunityForce Online grants management system for applications, reviews, and fund disbursement. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | eCivis Grants administration software focused on compliance and lifecycle management for public sectors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | OpenGrants Collaborative grantmaking platform for portfolio management and team coordination. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
Comprehensive grant management platform automating workflows, reporting, and collaboration for foundations.
Robust grantmaking software with CRM integration for streamlined funding decisions and compliance.
Powerful application management tool for grants, awards, and reviews with custom workflows.
End-to-end grants management system handling applications, evaluations, and payments.
Philanthropy management software for grant tracking, reporting, and donor engagement.
Grant discovery and tracking platform to identify and manage funding opportunities.
Integrated fundraising and grants management with donor insights and impact measurement.
Online grants management system for applications, reviews, and fund disbursement.
Grants administration software focused on compliance and lifecycle management for public sectors.
Collaborative grantmaking platform for portfolio management and team coordination.
Fluxx
enterpriseComprehensive grant management platform automating workflows, reporting, and collaboration for foundations.
Fully configurable, no-code platform that allows users to build and automate complex funding workflows without IT support
Fluxx is a cloud-based funding management platform designed specifically for grantmakers, foundations, and philanthropies to streamline the entire grant lifecycle from application review to payment disbursement and impact reporting. It offers customizable workflows, collaborative portals for grantees, and advanced analytics to track funding outcomes and compliance. With seamless integrations to CRM systems like Salesforce and robust automation, Fluxx empowers organizations to scale their philanthropic operations efficiently.
Pros
- Highly configurable no-code workflows that adapt to any funding process
- Intuitive interface with strong collaboration tools for funders and grantees
- Powerful reporting, analytics, and AI-driven insights for impact measurement
Cons
- High cost may deter very small organizations
- Initial implementation and customization can take time
- Pricing is quote-based with limited transparency
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations, philanthropies, and corporate giving programs needing a scalable, end-to-end grant management solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on organization size and modules; typically starts at $10,000-$50,000 annually with no public tiers.
Blackbaud Grantmaking
enterpriseRobust grantmaking software with CRM integration for streamlined funding decisions and compliance.
No-code customizable workflows that adapt dynamically to diverse grant programs without IT dependency
Blackbaud Grantmaking is a robust cloud-based platform tailored for grantmakers, enabling end-to-end management of the grant lifecycle from application intake and review to payments, monitoring, and impact reporting. It features customizable workflows, self-service grantee portals, and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making for foundations and nonprofits. With seamless integrations into the Blackbaud ecosystem and CRM tools, it supports collaborative grantmaking at scale.
Pros
- Comprehensive grant lifecycle automation with customizable workflows
- Powerful reporting and analytics for real-time insights
- Secure, collaborative portals for grantees and internal teams
Cons
- High implementation costs and time-intensive setup
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small funders
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Large foundations and corporate philanthropy programs managing complex, high-volume grant portfolios.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $25,000–$150,000+ annually based on users, grants volume, and features.
Submittable
enterprisePowerful application management tool for grants, awards, and reviews with custom workflows.
End-to-end workflow from application to payment disbursement in one platform
Submittable is a robust platform specialized in managing grant and funding applications from submission intake through review and disbursement. It enables organizations to build customizable forms, automate workflows, facilitate collaborative scoring by reviewers, and generate reports for decision-making. With integrated payment tools, it streamlines the entire funding lifecycle, making it ideal for grantmakers handling complex application processes.
Pros
- Highly customizable forms and workflows for diverse funding programs
- Excellent collaborative review tools with blind scoring and comments
- Built-in payments for seamless fund disbursement
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with submission volume
- Advanced reporting requires higher tiers or integrations
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
Best For
Mid-to-large non-profits, foundations, and grantmaking organizations managing high-volume funding applications.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $10,000/year for basic plans, scaling with submissions and features (Essential, Professional, Enterprise tiers).
SmartSimple
enterpriseEnd-to-end grants management system handling applications, evaluations, and payments.
Fully configurable applicant and reviewer portals with real-time collaboration and automated workflows
SmartSimple is a cloud-based platform specializing in grants and funding management, offering end-to-end solutions for application intake, multi-stage review workflows, compliance tracking, and payment processing. It provides customizable portals for applicants, reviewers, and grantees, along with advanced reporting and analytics to monitor funding impact. Designed primarily for nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies, it supports complex funding programs with high security and scalability.
Pros
- Highly customizable no-code workflows tailored to complex funding processes
- Robust reporting and analytics for impact measurement and compliance
- Secure, branded portals that enhance applicant and reviewer experience
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve and setup time for full customization
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller organizations
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies managing high-volume, multi-stage grant programs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $10,000-$50,000 annually based on users and modules, with subscription model.
Foundant
enterprisePhilanthropy management software for grant tracking, reporting, and donor engagement.
Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) with seamless collaborative review and automated workflows
Foundant is a cloud-based funding management platform tailored for grantmakers, foundations, and philanthropies, streamlining the entire grant lifecycle from application submission to post-award reporting. It provides tools for applicant management, peer review workflows, payment disbursement, and compliance monitoring. The software emphasizes customization and data-driven insights to enhance grantmaking efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end grant lifecycle management
- Highly customizable workflows and forms
- Strong reporting and analytics capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations
- Initial setup and customization require time
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and grantmaking organizations seeking robust, scalable funding management tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on user count and features; typically starts at $10,000+ annually for basic plans.
Instrumentl
specializedGrant discovery and tracking platform to identify and manage funding opportunities.
AI-powered grant matching that personalizes opportunities using natural language processing on past funding data
Instrumentl is a specialized grant management platform designed for nonprofits to discover, track, and secure funding opportunities from a vast database of over 200,000 grants. It streamlines the entire grant lifecycle, from intelligent opportunity matching and application tracking to collaboration tools and compliance reporting. The software helps organizations build personalized funding pipelines and maximize their grant success rates.
Pros
- Extensive database of 200,000+ grants with smart matching based on organization profile
- Robust pipeline tracking and collaboration tools for teams
- Automated reporting and compliance features to simplify post-award management
Cons
- Pricing is relatively high for very small nonprofits or startups
- Primarily focused on grants, with limited support for other funding types like donations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and integrations
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and grant writers seeking a comprehensive tool to identify and manage grant opportunities efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $179/month for Essentials (billed annually), with Pro at $359/month and Enterprise custom pricing.
Bonterra
enterpriseIntegrated fundraising and grants management with donor insights and impact measurement.
Built-in outcomes tracking that ties funding to measurable program impacts
Bonterra is a comprehensive CRM platform tailored for nonprofits, specializing in fundraising, grant management, and donor engagement to streamline funding operations. It offers tools for managing the full grant lifecycle, from opportunity identification to reporting and compliance, while integrating outcomes measurement to demonstrate program impact. The software also supports corporate philanthropy and multi-channel donor stewardship, making it a robust solution for funding-dependent organizations.
Pros
- Powerful grant lifecycle management with pipeline tracking and compliance automation
- Integrated donor CRM and outcomes measurement for holistic funding insights
- Customizable dashboards and reporting for impact storytelling
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Pricing can be high for smaller nonprofits
- Limited integrations compared to some enterprise CRMs
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and foundations handling complex grant portfolios and donor relationships.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5,000/year for basic plans, scaling with users and features.
CommunityForce
enterpriseOnline grants management system for applications, reviews, and fund disbursement.
SmartMatch AI-powered applicant-grant matching for efficient opportunity alignment
CommunityForce is a robust grant management platform designed to handle the full funding lifecycle, from online application portals and multi-stage reviews to award disbursement and compliance reporting. It caters to foundations, corporations, and governments with customizable workflows, reviewer collaboration tools, and analytics for impact measurement. The software emphasizes automation to reduce administrative burden while ensuring transparency and equity in funding decisions.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end grant lifecycle management
- Highly customizable forms and workflows
- Strong reporting and analytics for compliance
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small organizations
- Initial setup requires significant configuration
- Limited native integrations with some accounting tools
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations, corporations, and government agencies managing complex, high-volume grant programs.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on program scale and features; typically starts at $10,000+ annually with enterprise plans.
eCivis
enterpriseGrants administration software focused on compliance and lifecycle management for public sectors.
Proprietary Grants Marketplace with AI-driven opportunity matching and daily updates from federal, state, and foundation sources
eCivis is a comprehensive grants management platform designed primarily for governments, nonprofits, and public sector organizations to discover, apply for, track, and manage funding opportunities throughout their lifecycle. It offers tools for opportunity searching via a vast database, automated compliance tracking, reporting, and subrecipient management to ensure accountability and efficiency. The software emphasizes regulatory compliance and streamlined workflows for handling federal, state, and private grants.
Pros
- Extensive, curated database of over 1 million grant opportunities tailored for public entities
- Strong compliance and reporting tools with automated workflows and audit-ready features
- Robust integrations with financial systems and subrecipient portals for end-to-end management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and somewhat dated interface requiring training
- High cost structure not ideal for small organizations
- Limited flexibility for non-grant funding types or heavy customization
Best For
Mid-to-large municipalities, counties, and nonprofits managing complex portfolios of public grants and requiring strict compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $10,000-$50,000 annually based on user count, modules, and organization size; quotes required.
OpenGrants
specializedCollaborative grantmaking platform for portfolio management and team coordination.
AI Grant Copilot for intelligent opportunity matching and automated application drafting
OpenGrants is an AI-powered platform designed to simplify the entire grant lifecycle for nonprofits, governments, and public sector organizations. It excels in discovering relevant funding opportunities from thousands of sources, automating application processes, and ensuring compliance through intelligent reporting tools. By centralizing grant management, it reduces administrative burden and increases win rates for users applying to government and foundation grants.
Pros
- Vast database of grant opportunities with AI-driven matching
- End-to-end automation for applications, tracking, and reporting
- Collaborative tools for team workflows and compliance management
Cons
- Primarily focused on US government grants, limited global coverage
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve
- Higher-tier pricing may strain small nonprofits' budgets
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and public agencies handling high volumes of government grant applications.
Pricing
Freemium model with paid plans starting at $99/user/month; Pro and Enterprise tiers at $299+/month with custom options.
Conclusion
This review highlights the top funding management tools, with Fluxx emerging as the overall best for its comprehensive automation of workflows, reporting, and collaboration—perfect for foundations needing end-to-end efficiency. While Blackbaud Grantmaking shines with integrated CRM and compliance for streamlined decisions, and Submittable impresses with custom application management, Fluxx’s robust, adaptable suite sets it apart as the leading choice. Whether prioritizing collaboration, compliance, or application processing, the top three offer tailored solutions to diverse needs.
Explore Fluxx today to elevate your funding management, or consider Blackbaud Grantmaking or Submittable to find the tool that best fits your unique goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
