Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fluxx - Cloud-based grantmaking platform that streamlines the entire grants lifecycle from application to reporting and compliance.
- 2#2: SmartSimple - Flexible grants management software with customizable workflows for grantmakers, governments, and nonprofits.
- 3#3: Foundant - User-friendly grants lifecycle manager that simplifies application review, payments, and impact reporting.
- 4#4: Submittable - Versatile application and review platform optimized for managing grants, scholarships, and funding programs.
- 5#5: Blackbaud Grantmaking - Enterprise grant management solution integrated with CRM for large foundations and nonprofits handling complex portfolios.
- 6#6: Instrumentl - Grant discovery and tracking tool that helps nonprofits identify, apply for, and manage grant opportunities efficiently.
- 7#7: CommunityForce - End-to-end grants management platform with applicant portals, automated workflows, and reporting features.
- 8#8: eCivis - Grants management software designed for governments and public sector to handle compliance, tracking, and reporting.
- 9#9: Streamlyne - Modern SaaS platform for grants administration, offering real-time collaboration and customizable forms.
- 10#10: OpenGov - Government-focused grants module within a broader platform for managing federal funding and compliance.
Tools were ranked based on features like end-to-end lifecycle management, customization, user experience, and value, with a focus on delivering reliable, efficient performance across varied use cases such as government grant administration, scholarship programs, and complex portfolio management.
Comparison Table
Effective grants management software is crucial for organizational success, and selecting the right tool requires evaluating key features and fit. This comparison table explores top platforms including Fluxx, SmartSimple, Foundant, Submittable, Blackbaud Grantmaking, and more, breaking down functionalities, pricing, and suitability to help users identify their best match.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fluxx Cloud-based grantmaking platform that streamlines the entire grants lifecycle from application to reporting and compliance. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | SmartSimple Flexible grants management software with customizable workflows for grantmakers, governments, and nonprofits. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Foundant User-friendly grants lifecycle manager that simplifies application review, payments, and impact reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Submittable Versatile application and review platform optimized for managing grants, scholarships, and funding programs. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Blackbaud Grantmaking Enterprise grant management solution integrated with CRM for large foundations and nonprofits handling complex portfolios. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Instrumentl Grant discovery and tracking tool that helps nonprofits identify, apply for, and manage grant opportunities efficiently. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | CommunityForce End-to-end grants management platform with applicant portals, automated workflows, and reporting features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | eCivis Grants management software designed for governments and public sector to handle compliance, tracking, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Streamlyne Modern SaaS platform for grants administration, offering real-time collaboration and customizable forms. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | OpenGov Government-focused grants module within a broader platform for managing federal funding and compliance. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based grantmaking platform that streamlines the entire grants lifecycle from application to reporting and compliance.
Flexible grants management software with customizable workflows for grantmakers, governments, and nonprofits.
User-friendly grants lifecycle manager that simplifies application review, payments, and impact reporting.
Versatile application and review platform optimized for managing grants, scholarships, and funding programs.
Enterprise grant management solution integrated with CRM for large foundations and nonprofits handling complex portfolios.
Grant discovery and tracking tool that helps nonprofits identify, apply for, and manage grant opportunities efficiently.
End-to-end grants management platform with applicant portals, automated workflows, and reporting features.
Grants management software designed for governments and public sector to handle compliance, tracking, and reporting.
Modern SaaS platform for grants administration, offering real-time collaboration and customizable forms.
Government-focused grants module within a broader platform for managing federal funding and compliance.
Fluxx
specializedCloud-based grantmaking platform that streamlines the entire grants lifecycle from application to reporting and compliance.
Relational data architecture allowing infinite customization without coding
Fluxx is a premier cloud-based grants management platform designed specifically for philanthropic organizations, streamlining the entire grantmaking lifecycle from application intake and review to payments, monitoring, and impact reporting. It features highly customizable workflows, relational data modeling, and advanced analytics to handle complex grant programs efficiently. Trusted by major foundations like the Rockefeller Foundation, Fluxx enables data-driven decisions and collaboration across teams.
Pros
- Exceptional customization with no-code tools and relational data model
- Powerful reporting, dashboards, and AI-driven insights via Fluxx IQ
- Seamless integrations with CRM, finance, and nonprofit tools
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Steep initial learning curve for complex configurations
- Limited free trial or self-serve options
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and corporate philanthropy programs needing scalable, highly customizable grants management.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on grant volume and users; typically starts at $20,000+ annually for mid-sized organizations.
SmartSimple
specializedFlexible grants management software with customizable workflows for grantmakers, governments, and nonprofits.
No-code configuration engine enabling infinite workflow customization without developer resources
SmartSimple is a comprehensive cloud-based grants management platform that streamlines the entire grant lifecycle, from application submission and review to disbursement, monitoring, and reporting. It offers customizable workflows, applicant portals, and CRM integration to manage grantee relationships effectively. Designed for grantmakers, it supports complex funding programs with automation, compliance tracking, and analytics for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Extremely customizable no-code platform for complex workflows
- Robust reporting and analytics with real-time dashboards
- Seamless integration with CRM and third-party tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for smaller orgs
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and nonprofits managing high-volume, complex grant programs with diverse funding streams.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10,000-$50,000 annually based on users, grants volume, and features.
Foundant
specializedUser-friendly grants lifecycle manager that simplifies application review, payments, and impact reporting.
Configurable workflow engine that allows unlimited customization without coding
Foundant is a robust grants management platform tailored for grantmakers, enabling end-to-end management of the grants lifecycle from application intake to reporting and compliance. It features customizable portals for applicants and reviewers, automated workflows, payment processing, and advanced analytics. The software supports various funding types including grants, scholarships, and loans, making it suitable for foundations and nonprofits of varying sizes.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and forms to fit unique grant processes
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
- Strong applicant and reviewer portals with self-service capabilities
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be steep for smaller organizations
- Initial setup and learning curve can be time-intensive
- Integration options are solid but not as extensive as some enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and grantmaking organizations needing scalable, configurable tools for complex grant cycles.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $15,000-$30,000 annually depending on modules and user count.
Submittable
specializedVersatile application and review platform optimized for managing grants, scholarships, and funding programs.
Advanced blind review and automated workflow routing that ensures fair, efficient evaluation at scale
Submittable is a versatile grants management platform specializing in application intake, review, and decision-making workflows. It enables organizations to build customizable forms, collect submissions securely, and collaborate with reviewers through features like blind scoring and automated routing. Ideal for funders handling open calls, it provides analytics and reporting to track the entire pre-award process efficiently.
Pros
- Highly customizable forms and workflows for tailored grant processes
- Strong collaboration tools including blind review and multi-stage approvals
- Scalable handling of high-volume submissions with robust reporting
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for small organizations or low-volume users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations and integrations
- Limited built-in tools for post-award tracking and compliance management
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits, foundations, and funders managing high volumes of grant applications and reviews.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $10,000 annually for mid-tier plans, scaling with submission volume and features.
Blackbaud Grantmaking
enterpriseEnterprise grant management solution integrated with CRM for large foundations and nonprofits handling complex portfolios.
Deep ecosystem integration with Blackbaud's nonprofit software suite for unified donor, financial, and grant data management
Blackbaud Grantmaking is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for nonprofits and foundations to manage the full grants lifecycle, from opportunity identification and application review to disbursement, monitoring, and impact reporting. It offers robust workflow automation, compliance tools, and customizable dashboards to handle complex grant processes efficiently. Deep integration with Blackbaud's broader ecosystem, including CRM and financial management software, enhances data connectivity and operational efficiency for grantmakers.
Pros
- End-to-end grants management with advanced workflow automation and compliance tracking
- Seamless integrations with Blackbaud CRM, financials, and reporting tools
- Powerful analytics and customizable reporting for grant impact measurement
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface for new users
- High pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large organizations
- Limited flexibility for highly customized workflows without professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits and foundations managing high-volume, complex grant portfolios with existing Blackbaud infrastructure.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $10,000+ annually based on users and modules, with implementation fees.
Instrumentl
specializedGrant discovery and tracking tool that helps nonprofits identify, apply for, and manage grant opportunities efficiently.
Proprietary, continually updated database of 400,000+ grant opportunities with AI matching tailored to organizational profiles
Instrumentl is a grant discovery and management platform tailored for nonprofits, offering access to a proprietary database of over 400,000 funding opportunities from foundations, governments, and corporations. It uses AI-powered matching to recommend relevant grants based on an organization's profile, mission, and location, while providing tools to track deadlines, store documents, collaborate with teams, and generate compliance reports. The platform streamlines the pre-award grant seeking process but has lighter support for post-award management like disbursements and ongoing reporting.
Pros
- Vast, vetted database of 400,000+ grants with daily updates
- AI-driven smart matching and personalized recommendations
- Comprehensive tracking, collaboration, and reporting tools
Cons
- Limited post-award grant management capabilities
- Pricing can be steep for very small nonprofits
- Occasional need for manual verification of grant data accuracy
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and dedicated grant writers focused on efficiently discovering, tracking, and applying for funding opportunities.
Pricing
Basic plan starts at $169/user/month (billed annually), Professional at $419/user/month, Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial available.
CommunityForce
specializedEnd-to-end grants management platform with applicant portals, automated workflows, and reporting features.
Intelligent blind review and scoring system with automated workflow routing
CommunityForce is a comprehensive grants management platform tailored for foundations, corporations, and nonprofits to handle the full grant lifecycle from application intake to post-award reporting. It features customizable online forms, automated workflows, blind peer reviews, and real-time dashboards for efficient decision-making. The software supports multi-program management with role-based access and compliance tracking, making it suitable for organizations scaling their philanthropy efforts.
Pros
- End-to-end lifecycle automation from applications to reporting
- Highly customizable workflows and forms
- Robust analytics and grantee portals for self-service
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small nonprofits
- Limited native integrations with accounting software
Best For
Mid-to-large foundations and corporations managing multiple, high-volume grant programs with complex review processes.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $15,000-$30,000 annually depending on users, programs, and features.
eCivis
enterpriseGrants management software designed for governments and public sector to handle compliance, tracking, and reporting.
Proprietary Grants Network database with the largest curated collection of government grants and real-time opportunity alerts
eCivis is a comprehensive cloud-based grants management platform tailored primarily for government entities, nonprofits, and public sector organizations to manage the full grants lifecycle. It enables users to search a vast proprietary database of funding opportunities, track applications, ensure regulatory compliance, and automate reporting. The software integrates with ERP and financial systems, providing analytics to optimize grant pursuit and management.
Pros
- Extensive proprietary database of over 250,000 grant opportunities with intelligent matching
- Robust compliance tracking and automated reporting tools for federal requirements like 2 CFR 200
- Seamless integrations with popular ERP systems like Tyler Munis and SAP
Cons
- Steep learning curve and interface that requires significant training for new users
- Pricing is opaque and often expensive for smaller organizations or nonprofits
- Limited customization options and weaker support for non-public sector grant types
Best For
Local governments, state agencies, and large nonprofits handling high volumes of public sector grants.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $25,000–$50,000 annually based on modules, users, and organization size; quotes required.
Streamlyne
specializedModern SaaS platform for grants administration, offering real-time collaboration and customizable forms.
Advanced opportunity search engine with AI-driven matching to funding sources
Streamlyne is a comprehensive grants management software platform that supports the full lifecycle of grants, from opportunity discovery and proposal development to award management and compliance reporting. It enables research administrators, universities, and non-profits to search for funding opportunities, collaborate on submissions, track awards, and generate audit-ready reports. The platform integrates with federal portals like Grants.gov and NSF for seamless electronic submissions and real-time updates.
Pros
- End-to-end workflow covering opportunity to closeout
- Strong integration with funding agency portals
- Robust collaboration and reporting tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
- Limited mobile accessibility
Best For
Mid-sized universities and research institutions managing high volumes of federal and private grants.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on users, modules, and institution size; typically starts at $10,000+ annually with quotes required.
OpenGov
enterpriseGovernment-focused grants module within a broader platform for managing federal funding and compliance.
Seamless integration across OpenGov's govtech suite for unified grant and budget visibility
OpenGov Grants is a cloud-based platform tailored for public sector organizations, automating the full grants lifecycle from opportunity discovery and application management to award tracking, compliance, and reporting. It integrates seamlessly with OpenGov's budgeting, procurement, and analytics tools, providing a unified view of grant-related financial data. Designed primarily for local governments, it emphasizes regulatory compliance and real-time insights to optimize grant utilization.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end grants lifecycle automation
- Strong integration with government financial and budgeting systems
- Robust compliance tracking and customizable reporting dashboards
Cons
- Pricing is enterprise-level and opaque, challenging for smaller organizations
- Interface can feel complex for non-technical users
- Limited flexibility for non-public sector entities
Best For
Mid-to-large local governments and public agencies needing integrated grants management within a broader financial platform.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $20,000+ annually for base modules, scaling with users and add-ons.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 grants management solutions reveals Fluxx as the clear leader, excelling in streamlining the entire lifecycle from application to reporting and compliance. SmartSimple and Foundant follow closely—with SmartSimple's customizable workflows and Foundant's user-friendly review and impact reporting—each offering distinct strengths to meet varied organizational needs. For those seeking efficiency and end-to-end management, Fluxx stands out, while others provide strong alternatives based on specific priorities.
Take the next step in optimizing your grants process: explore Fluxx to experience its seamless, comprehensive capabilities firsthand and elevate your grant management efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison