Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fluxx - Cloud-based platform that streamlines the full grant lifecycle from application to reporting for funders and grantees.
- 2#2: Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager - Comprehensive grant management software automating workflows, reporting, and compliance for nonprofits and foundations.
- 3#3: Submittable - Flexible platform for managing grant applications, reviews, and payments with customizable workflows.
- 4#4: Blackbaud Grantmaking - Robust enterprise solution for grant tracking, evaluation, and impact measurement integrated with fundraising tools.
- 5#5: SmartSimple IQ - AI-powered grant management system handling applications, payments, and monitoring with advanced analytics.
- 6#6: Instrumentl - Grant discovery and tracking tool that matches nonprofits with funding opportunities and manages applications.
- 7#7: CommunityForce - End-to-end grants management platform for streamlined application review, disbursement, and reporting.
- 8#8: SmarterSelect - Online platform for managing scholarship and grant applications with scoring and workflow automation.
- 9#9: Grantable - AI-assisted tool for grant writing, tracking deadlines, and managing proposals efficiently.
- 10#10: Bonterra Grants - Integrated grant management software focusing on compliance, reporting, and relationship building.
We evaluated these platforms based on key factors: robust feature sets addressing end-to-end grant lifecycles, consistent performance and user satisfaction, intuitive design for seamless adoption, and overall value that aligns with diverse organizational needs.
Comparison Table
Managing grants efficiently requires the right tools, and navigating options can be daunting. This comparison table features leading grant manager software like Fluxx, Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager, Submittable, Blackbaud Grantmaking, SmartSimple IQ, and more, analyzing key features and usability to help readers find the best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fluxx Cloud-based platform that streamlines the full grant lifecycle from application to reporting for funders and grantees. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager Comprehensive grant management software automating workflows, reporting, and compliance for nonprofits and foundations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Submittable Flexible platform for managing grant applications, reviews, and payments with customizable workflows. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Blackbaud Grantmaking Robust enterprise solution for grant tracking, evaluation, and impact measurement integrated with fundraising tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | SmartSimple IQ AI-powered grant management system handling applications, payments, and monitoring with advanced analytics. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Instrumentl Grant discovery and tracking tool that matches nonprofits with funding opportunities and manages applications. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | CommunityForce End-to-end grants management platform for streamlined application review, disbursement, and reporting. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | SmarterSelect Online platform for managing scholarship and grant applications with scoring and workflow automation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Grantable AI-assisted tool for grant writing, tracking deadlines, and managing proposals efficiently. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Bonterra Grants Integrated grant management software focusing on compliance, reporting, and relationship building. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based platform that streamlines the full grant lifecycle from application to reporting for funders and grantees.
Comprehensive grant management software automating workflows, reporting, and compliance for nonprofits and foundations.
Flexible platform for managing grant applications, reviews, and payments with customizable workflows.
Robust enterprise solution for grant tracking, evaluation, and impact measurement integrated with fundraising tools.
AI-powered grant management system handling applications, payments, and monitoring with advanced analytics.
Grant discovery and tracking tool that matches nonprofits with funding opportunities and manages applications.
End-to-end grants management platform for streamlined application review, disbursement, and reporting.
Online platform for managing scholarship and grant applications with scoring and workflow automation.
AI-assisted tool for grant writing, tracking deadlines, and managing proposals efficiently.
Integrated grant management software focusing on compliance, reporting, and relationship building.
Fluxx
enterpriseCloud-based platform that streamlines the full grant lifecycle from application to reporting for funders and grantees.
No-code platform builder for creating dynamic, adaptive workflows without developer intervention
Fluxx is a comprehensive cloud-based grant management platform tailored for foundations, nonprofits, and grantmakers. It streamlines the entire grant lifecycle, including application intake, review workflows, payments, reporting, and grantee portals. With robust analytics, CRM integration, and no-code customization, Fluxx enables efficient scaling for complex grant operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable no-code workflows for tailored grant processes
- Powerful analytics and reporting dashboards for data-driven decisions
- Seamless integrations with CRM, accounting, and payment systems
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for advanced configurations
- Pricing is premium and may be prohibitive for very small organizations
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and grantmaking organizations needing scalable, enterprise-grade grant management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $30,000/year, based on user count, features, and organization size.
Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager
enterpriseComprehensive grant management software automating workflows, reporting, and compliance for nonprofits and foundations.
Dynamic, multi-stage collaborative review workflows that adapt to complex approval processes
Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager is a cloud-based platform that manages the entire grant lifecycle, from creating solicitations and collecting applications to conducting reviews, disbursing funds, monitoring progress, and generating reports. It offers customizable workflows, applicant portals, and collaboration tools tailored for foundations and grantmakers. The software emphasizes compliance, data security, and scalability for organizations handling high volumes of grants.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end grant lifecycle automation
- Highly customizable workflows and reporting dashboards
- Robust integrations with accounting and CRM systems
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve and setup time
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller organizations
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and corporate grantmaking programs needing scalable, customizable lifecycle management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $15,000-$50,000 annually, depending on users, grants volume, and features.
Submittable
enterpriseFlexible platform for managing grant applications, reviews, and payments with customizable workflows.
Review Matrix for side-by-side applicant comparisons and team-based scoring
Submittable is a comprehensive submission management platform tailored for grant programs, enabling organizations to build custom online application forms, collect and organize submissions securely, and streamline the review process. It supports collaborative scoring, blind reviews, and automated workflows to help grant managers evaluate applicants efficiently. The tool also provides robust reporting and analytics to track program outcomes and applicant diversity.
Pros
- Highly customizable forms and workflows for complex grant cycles
- Powerful collaborative review tools including blind scoring and matrices
- Strong security features and integrations with CRM systems
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small organizations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited native support for post-award grant tracking and compliance
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and nonprofits managing high-volume grant applications with complex review needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $10,000 annually, based on submission volume and features; contact sales for quotes.
Blackbaud Grantmaking
enterpriseRobust enterprise solution for grant tracking, evaluation, and impact measurement integrated with fundraising tools.
Advanced, fully customizable workflow engine with built-in collaboration and approval tools for complex grant reviews
Blackbaud Grantmaking is a robust cloud-based platform tailored for grantmakers, managing the full lifecycle from opportunity posting and applications to reviews, awards, payments, and reporting. It offers customizable workflows, grantee portals, and deep integrations with Blackbaud's nonprofit CRM ecosystem. Designed for efficiency and compliance, it supports complex grant programs with advanced analytics and outcome tracking.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and multi-stage application processes
- Comprehensive grantee portal for self-service submissions and reporting
- Strong reporting, analytics, and integration with Blackbaud CRM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- High pricing suitable mainly for larger organizations
- Requires professional services for advanced configurations
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and corporate grantmaking teams handling high-volume, complex grant programs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $20,000+ annually based on users, grants volume, and features; requires quote.
SmartSimple IQ
specializedAI-powered grant management system handling applications, payments, and monitoring with advanced analytics.
No-code platform builder with AI-driven automation for creating tailored, intelligent grant management workflows.
SmartSimple IQ is a robust cloud-based platform designed for comprehensive grants management, enabling organizations to handle everything from application intake and multi-stage reviews to award disbursement and compliance reporting. It features customizable workflows, self-service applicant portals, and automated notifications to streamline complex funding processes. The software also integrates CRM capabilities and advanced analytics for data-driven decision-making in nonprofit, government, and foundation environments.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and forms without coding
- Powerful applicant and reviewer portals with real-time collaboration
- Advanced reporting, analytics, and compliance tracking tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Lengthy implementation process for complex deployments
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small organizations
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations, governments, and nonprofits managing high-volume, multi-stage grant programs requiring extensive customization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000-$50,000 annually depending on users, features, and scale.
Instrumentl
specializedGrant discovery and tracking tool that matches nonprofits with funding opportunities and manages applications.
Proprietary, human-curated grant database with AI-driven opportunity matching for highly relevant recommendations
Instrumentl is a specialized grant management platform tailored for nonprofits, grant writers, and organizations seeking funding opportunities. It provides access to a proprietary database of over 450,000 grants, intelligent matching algorithms to identify relevant opportunities, and tools for tracking applications, deadlines, and funder relationships. The software streamlines the pre-award grant lifecycle, enabling collaboration, reporting, and compliance management to help users secure more funding efficiently.
Pros
- Vast, curated database of 450,000+ grant opportunities updated daily
- AI-powered smart matching and personalized recommendations
- Robust tracking, collaboration, and funder CRM features
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may be unaffordable for very small nonprofits
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customization
- Limited focus on post-award grant management and financial tracking
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and professional grant writers who need efficient grant discovery, matching, and pre-award tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $169/user/month (Solo plan, billed annually); Professional at $449/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
CommunityForce
enterpriseEnd-to-end grants management platform for streamlined application review, disbursement, and reporting.
SmartMatch technology for automated applicant-grant alignment and recommendation
CommunityForce is a cloud-based grant management platform tailored for foundations, corporations, and nonprofits to handle the full grant lifecycle from application to reporting. It provides customizable online forms, automated workflows, peer review tools, and compliance features to streamline grantmaking processes. The software also supports scholarships, sponsorships, and community investments with robust analytics and dashboards for informed decision-making.
Pros
- Highly customizable application forms and workflows
- Strong reporting and analytics capabilities
- Dedicated support for grant compliance and audits
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing lacks transparency with custom quotes only
- Limited native integrations with other nonprofit tools
Best For
Mid-sized foundations and corporate philanthropy programs seeking flexible, end-to-end grant management without extreme complexity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $15,000-$30,000 annually depending on user count and features.
SmarterSelect
specializedOnline platform for managing scholarship and grant applications with scoring and workflow automation.
Advanced workflow builder that allows fully customizable multi-stage review processes with conditional logic
SmarterSelect is a comprehensive cloud-based platform specialized in managing scholarship and grant applications, from customizable form creation to applicant review, selection, and fund disbursement. It offers workflow automation, scoring rubrics, reporting dashboards, and integration with payment processors to streamline the entire grant management process. Primarily used by educational institutions, nonprofits, and foundations, it handles high-volume programs with data security and compliance features.
Pros
- Highly customizable application forms and workflows
- Robust reviewer tools with automated scoring and collaboration
- Strong reporting and analytics for compliance and insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with application volume, less ideal for small programs
- Steep initial setup for complex customizations
- Limited native integrations with some CRM or accounting systems
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits, universities, and foundations managing high-volume scholarship and grant cycles.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at ~$4,000/year for basic plans, scaling based on applications processed (e.g., $0.50-$2 per app) and users; enterprise options available.
Grantable
specializedAI-assisted tool for grant writing, tracking deadlines, and managing proposals efficiently.
No-code workflow automation builder for fully tailored grant processes
Grantable (grantable.co) is an all-in-one grant management platform tailored for grantmakers, enabling efficient handling of the full grant lifecycle from application intake to reporting and payments. It features customizable forms, automated workflows, collaborative review tools, and compliance-ready reporting to streamline operations for foundations and nonprofits. The software emphasizes security with SOC 2 compliance and supports team collaboration across distributed grantmaking teams.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and forms without coding
- Strong collaboration and review tools for teams
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for insights
Cons
- Limited native integrations with accounting/CRM tools
- Pricing is quote-based and can be high for small organizations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Mid-sized foundations and grantmaking organizations seeking a flexible, end-to-end platform to scale their grant operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing via quote; starts around $500/month for basic plans, scales with grant volume and features (contact sales for details).
Bonterra Grants
enterpriseIntegrated grant management software focusing on compliance, reporting, and relationship building.
AI-powered Outcome Engine for predictive insights on grant performance and impact
Bonterra Grants is a cloud-based platform tailored for grantmakers, enabling end-to-end management of the grant lifecycle from application intake and review to disbursement, monitoring, and reporting. It provides customizable workflows, real-time dashboards, and compliance tools to streamline operations for foundations and nonprofits. The software integrates with CRM and financial systems, focusing on data-driven insights to maximize grant impact.
Pros
- Robust grant lifecycle management with automated workflows
- Strong reporting and analytics for compliance and impact tracking
- Seamless integrations with popular nonprofit tools like Salesforce
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for smaller organizations
- Occasional performance issues with large datasets
Best For
Mid-sized foundations and nonprofits handling moderate to high grant volumes that need collaborative review and outcome measurement tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 annually for basic plans, scaling with users and features.
Conclusion
The top 10 grant manager software tools vary in focus, but Fluxx emerges as the clear leader, streamlining the full grant lifecycle with its robust cloud-based platform. Close contenders Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager and Submittable shine too: Foundant excels in comprehensive automation for nonprofits and foundations, while Submittable offers flexible workflows for application management. Each tool serves distinct needs, but Fluxx sets the standard for seamless efficiency.
Begin your journey with the top-ranked Fluxx today to unlock a more streamlined and effective grant management process.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison