Best Grant Management Software for Easy Grant Tracking

Grant management software is essential for organizations managing multiple grants, strict compliance requirements, and complex reporting obligations. Unlike spreadsheets or basic tracking tools, modern platforms centralize grant data, automate workflows, and provide real-time insights into budgets, deadlines, and performance.

Top-performing organizations use grant management software to reduce administrative time, prevent compliance risks, and improve funder confidence.

By integrating financial tracking, reporting, and collaboration into one system, these tools support faster decision-making and long-term funding sustainability. key factors that leading competitors consistently emphasize in top-ranking content.

Software	Best For	Key Features	Pricing Model
Gradnet	Alumni/Communities	CRM, events, fundraising	Subscription
AmpliFund	Governments/Nonprofits	Dashboards, portals, compliance tools	Custom quote
Blackbaud Grantmaking	Funders/Nonprofits	AI forms, portals, analytics	Subscription
Bonterra Grants	Corporates/Nonprofits	Vetting, workflows, reporting	Custom quote
Good Grants	Global grantmakers	Forms, reviews, multi-currency	Subscription
Sage Intacct	Nonprofits/Finance	Tracking, billing, audits	Subscription
SurveyMonkey Apply	Programs/Scholarships	Forms, portals, analytics	Tiered plans
Workday Financial	Enterprises/Universities	Integration, real-time reporting	Enterprise
Submittable	Foundations/Governments	Forms, reviews, payments	Subscription

What is grants management software?

Grants management software is a digital system that helps organizations manage the full grant lifecycle from application intake to reporting and compliance.

In many grant-funded organizations, teams struggle with scattered spreadsheets, missed deadlines, and manual reporting. This software centralizes data, automates workflows, and improves transparency.

For example, a mid-sized nonprofit managing 50+ active grants can reduce reporting delays by up to 30% by using automated reminders and standardized reports. Platforms like Gradnet are especially well-suited for institutions and nonprofits that need structured oversight, role-based access, and audit-ready documentation as they scale.

When evaluating options, decision-makers should focus on reporting depth, compliance tracking, and how well the system fits existing workflows—not just feature lists.

Key Features of Grants Management Software

1. Centralized Grant Database

A single source of truth for all grant records eliminates fragmented spreadsheets and emails—critical for teams managing 50+ concurrent grants with multiple stakeholders.

2. Workflow Automation

Automates repetitive tasks like application routing, approval reminders, and renewal notifications, reducing administrative overhead and missed deadlines.

3. Customizable Application Forms

Enables tailored intake forms and scoring criteria, so reviewers assess proposals consistently and align with organizational priorities.

4. Document Management & Version Control

Stores contracts, reports, and compliance documents with audit trails, ensuring transparency and reducing risks during audits.

5. Real-Time Dashboards & Reporting

Delivers insights into funding health, utilization rates, and timeline adherence—helping leaders make data-driven decisions rather than reactively compiling reports.

6. Budgeting & Financial Tracking

Tracks expenses against award budgets, flags overspends, and integrates with accounting systems to maintain financial accuracy.

7. Compliance & Audit Tools

Built-in compliance checks and automated report generation support adherence to funder requirements and simplify audit preparation.

8. Role-Based Access Controls

Ensures secure data access, giving appropriate permissions to program managers, finance teams, and executives based on roles.

9. Collaboration & Communication Tools

Facilitates internal discussions, review assignments, and feedback loops—especially useful for distributed teams.

10. Integration Capabilities

Syncs with CRM, accounting, and reporting tools so organizations avoid double data entry and maintain consistent records.

9 Best Grant Management Software

Grant management software simplifies funding nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations.

It automates applications, reviews, payments and reporting to conserve time and make sure the applications are compliant.

The following is a comparison of best options discussed.

1. Gradnet

Gradnet is an integrated alumni management system that assists in the linking of graduates around the globe with universities, associations, and communities. It is a simple outreach, event, fundraiser, and membership tool.

Gradnet is trusted by more than 100 organizations such as Notre Dame College Alumni and Islamic University of Technology to create life-long networks without the need of having various apps.

The time and costs are saved by organizers to a maximum of $2.2 million per year, and the donations and participation are increased. It does not require any technical skills; it is easy to use.

Key features

• Potent alumni management CRM with searchable profiles and custom tags.
• Ticket purchase and administration of smooth communal events.
• Global payment and campaign tracking fundraising tools.
• Secure voting via the Internet on elections of alumni.
• Career development mentoring: matching and job boards.
• Contact surveys, email surveys, and dynamic brand websites.

Best For: Universities, nonprofits, and diaspora communities looking for a robust alumni and grant management solution.
Customer Review: Gradnet has a 4.9/5 rating on G2. Users praise its simplicity, scalability, and ability to manage multiple workflows in one place.

Use Cases:

Gradnet helps institutions connect graduates globally, host virtual or in-person reunions, and run fundraising or grant campaigns efficiently. Compared to managing separate tools, it reduces administrative effort, improves participation, and increases donations. Schools report time and cost savings of up to $2.2 million annually while enhancing alumni satisfaction.

Explore Gradnet to see how it can strengthen alumni connections and streamline your grant and fundraising programs.

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2. AmpliFund

AmpliFund is a web-based government, nonprofit, healthcare, and education organizations grant management software. It manages all stages of grant life cycles including applications to finalization. It is an automated platform that enables facilitation of tasks, monitoring of funds, compliance, and real-time insights to save time and minimize errors.

Key features:

• Automated workflows of approvals, payments and reminders.
• Report, claims and amendment recipient portals.
• Budget monitoring and risk warnings real-time dashboard.
• Individual forms, electronic signatures and API connections.
• Audit trail and reporting compliance tools.

Best For: Government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions managing multiple grants.
Customer Review: AmpliFund scores 4.6/5 on Capterra, noted for saving time and improving oversight of grant processes.

3. Blackbaud Grantmaking

Blackbaud Grantmaking is a funder/nonprofit cloud-based software. It handles the entire grant cycle of applications to reporting. Reviews, payments and compliance are made easy through the tool’s portals and automation. Anywhere and on any device, users have access to it to save time and to get down to business.

Key features:

• Online applications and updates portal Grantees.
• Multi language, AI-powered form builder.
• Individual scoring rubrics and reviewer cooperation.
• Budget and progress real time dashboards.
• Robotized workflow, payment and notification.
• Outcome analytic and detailed reporting.

Best For: Nonprofits and funders seeking a cloud-based end-to-end grant management solution.
Customer Review: 4.5/5 on G2, users highlight its mobile access and automated workflows.

4. Bonterra Grants Management

Bonterra Grants Management (formerly CyberGrants) is a corporate funder/nonprofit cloud platform.

It simplifies the process of grant applications, approvals, payments and impact reporting.

The software becomes connected to the network of 160,000+ screened nonprofits, has automated workflows, and is used to get analytics and increase efficiency and social impact. More than half of Fortune 100 corporations do strategic philanthropy through it.

Key features:

• Automated workflow approvals and disbursements.
• FrontDoor Marketplace of discovering and vetting nonprofit.
• Impact reporting tools and real-time dashboard. 
• Eligibility quizzes, watchlist scanning and e-signatures.
• Protective payment processing and data visualizations.

Best For: Corporations and foundations managing large-scale philanthropy programs.
Customer Review: 4.7/5 on Capterra, praised for efficiency and analytics capabilities.

5. Good Grants

Good Grants is a web-based tool that assists grantmakers in working on the entire grant lifecycle online. It simplifies applications, reviews, awards and reporting of non profit and funders across the globe.

The software is quick, user friendly and is multi currency and multi language to ensure the elimination of risks and maximization of productivity.

Key features:

• Customizable and auto-saving eligibility screening forms.
• Several review options such as automatic ratings and jury ratings.
• Live grant and budget monitoring.
• Report, disbursement and compliance post-award tools.
• Safe Web portals with applicants and grantees.

Best For: Global nonprofit grantmakers needing customizable workflows.
Customer Review: 4.6/5 on G2, appreciated for simplicity and flexibility.

6. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is an effective nonprofit grant tracking financial management software.

It processes applications to grant lifecycle, reimbursements and audits. The tool automates billing, compliance and gives real-time access to budgets and expenditure. It is used by nonprofits to store documents in a central place, accrue costs, and create reports without any troubles.

Key features:

• Semi-mechanized grant tracking and billing of reimbursement.
• Budget and actual real-time dashboards.
• Audit trail and error detection compliance tools.
• Per grant employee time and expense tracking.
• SEFA compliance custom reports and funders.

Best For: Nonprofits needing financial grant tracking and accounting integration.
Customer Review: 4.5/5 on Capterra, valued for financial insights and compliance features.

7. SurveyMonkey Apply

SurveyMonkey Apply is a cloud-based tool used in the management of grant, scholarship, and program applications.

It assists nonprofit, foundations, and organizations to receive submissions, review them and follow progress through the internet. The site provides personalized templates and portals to applicants and reviewers to streamline activities anywhere.

Key features:

• Forms that are customizable, 20+ question types and skip logic.
• Real-time applicant and reviewer portal.
• Email automation, email reminders and workflow approvals.
• Decision decision-making reporting dashboards and analytics.
• Access control and delegation.

Best For: Foundations and organizations managing scholarship, grant, and program applications online.
Customer Review: 4.4/5 on G2, noted for ease of use and review efficiency.

8. Workday Financial Management

Workday Financial Management is a cloud-based system that has nonprofit, university, and government grant tools. It streamlines the process of providing grants, ranging through proposals to closeouts, with compliance and real-time visibility. The system combines finance, human resource, and payroll to monitor spending, budgets and effort with no errors.

Key features:

• Budgets and compliance real-time dashboards.
• Auto-award, reimbursement, and effort certification.
• Multidimensional sponsors and expenditures reporting.
• Unauthorized cost audit trail and controls.
• Uninterrupted connectivity with payroll and HCM.

Best For: Universities, governments, and nonprofits seeking integrated finance and grant tracking.
Customer Review: 4.3/5 on Capterra, praised for integration across departments and real-time visibility.

9. Submittable

Submittable is a simple grant management system designed to help foundations, governments, and nonprofits manage their grants. It processes the entire life cycle of grants including application to payment and reporting. The software makes reviews easier, enhances collaboration, and easy to track impact through easy tools.

Key features:

• Custom logic drag and drop form builder.
• Joint reviewing processes and automatic scoring.
• Portals that can be used to submit and update applications.
• Live demand and payment monitoring.
• Compliance software such as charity checks.

Best For: Foundations, nonprofits, and government agencies needing simple grant lifecycle management.
Customer Review: 4.5/5 on G2, users value the simplicity and transparency of workflows.

Benefits Of Grants Management Software

Grant management software delivers clear operational, financial, and compliance benefits for organizations managing multiple funding sources. These benefits directly impact efficiency, risk control, and long-term funding success.

Reduces Administrative Workload and Operating Costs

Grant management software automates applications, approvals, renewals, and reporting tasks that are traditionally handled manually.

By removing spreadsheets and email-based workflows, organizations reduce repetitive data entry and staff time spent on administration.

In practice, teams reclaim hours each week, lowering operational costs and allowing staff to focus on program execution and funder engagement.

Improves Financial Accuracy and Budget Control

Centralized grant tracking ensures that spending aligns with approved budgets in real time.

Automated alerts flag overspending, underutilized funds, or upcoming deadlines before they become problems.

This level of financial control helps leadership prevent budget leakage and maintain accurate, audit-ready records across all grants.

Strengthens Compliance and Audit Readiness

Grant management software embeds compliance checks directly into workflows.

Required documentation, reporting schedules, and audit trails are automatically tracked and stored.

This reduces the risk of missed deadlines, incomplete reports, and noncompliance penalties, protecting both funding and organizational reputation.

Accelerates Reporting and Increases Funder Confidence

Standardized reports and real-time dashboards allow organizations to produce funder, board, and regulatory reports in days instead of weeks.

Faster, more accurate reporting improves transparency and builds trust with funders, increasing the likelihood of renewals and multi-year awards.

Enhances Cross-Team Coordination and Accountability

Program, finance, and leadership teams work from a single system with role-based access and clear task ownership.

This eliminates miscommunication, improves internal accountability, and ensures everyone stays aligned on grant status and responsibilities.

Enables Scalable Growth Without Added Risk

As grant portfolios grow, manual systems fail. Grant management software scales with funding volume, supporting more grants, more users, and more complexity—without increasing risk, errors, or administrative burden.

How to Choose Grant Management Software?

Choosing the right grant management software is an important decision. The right platform saves time, improves accuracy, and makes reporting easier. The wrong choice can slow your team down and create extra work. Use this simple guide to make a confident choice.

Understand Your Needs First

Start by listing what your organization needs from the software. Think about the number of grants you manage, the number of users, and reporting requirements. Ask your team what pain points they have with the current process. Clear needs make it easier to compare products.

Evaluate Core Features

Look for software that covers all essential features. These include application tracking, workflow automation, compliance checks, budget monitoring, and reporting tools. Make sure the system supports both internal team tasks and external funder requirements. A tool with strong core features reduces manual work and errors.

Check Usability and Support

Choose software that is easy for your whole team to use. A simple, clean interface helps reduce training time. Also check the quality of customer support. Good vendor support makes your transition smoother and ensures problems get solved fast.

Consider Integration and Data Security

Your grant software should work with your existing systems, like accounting, CRM, or reporting tools. Integration saves time and keeps data consistent. Also, confirm that the platform meets data security standards such as encryption, access control, and regular backups.

Assess Reporting and Analytics

Strong reporting and analytics help you show impact to funders and leadership. Look for customizable dashboards, trend reports, and export options. These insights can guide better funding strategies and increase chances of future awards.

Compare Pricing Models

Understand pricing clearly. Some platforms charge by user, while others have flat or tiered fees. Watch for extra costs such as onboarding, training, and upgrades. Choose a pricing model that fits your budget without hidden fees.

Conclusion 

Grant management software transforms funding systems of nonprofits and organizations. It automates applications, reviews, payments and reporting as part of reducing errors and saving time. Applications, such as AmpliFund, Blackbaud Grantmaking, and Submittable, have good compliance and insights capabilities.

Gradnet is a good recommendation when it comes to groups or communities of alumni. This is a one-stop solution that manages grants, events, fundraising and CRM. It creates networks, follows donations, and scales easily with tools that are easy to use.

Choose programs that are of your size and requirements. Demo Tests, Check Integrations, and put more emphasis on ease of use. The correct decision improves productivity, establishes integrity, and multiplies your mission in the current day. 

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FAQs

How does Grant Management Software Operate?

The software also centralizes grant information, automates processes, manages budgets and produces reports. Through a convenient dashboard, users are able to administer applications, approvals, payments and compliance tasks.

What are some of the Characteristics Grant Manager Software Ought to have?

The main distinguishing elements are application tracking, budgeting, reporting functionality, document management, workflow management, compliance monitoring, and user access control to ensure safe cross-team collaboration.

Is Grant Management Software a Cloud Based One?

The majority of the current grant management software is based in clouds. This enables users to have access to data anytime, work together with others remotely, get automatic updates as well as have enhanced data security.

Does Grant Management Software have the Ability of Tracking More Than One Grant?

Yes, it is able to handle several grants simultaneously. The software allows the structuring of funding sources, deadlines, budgets, and reports, which allows managing complicated grant portfolios easier.

What is the enhancement of Grant Management Software in compliance?

 It monitors the regulations, deadlines and reporting provisions automatically. Notifications and reminders make users more compliant and minimize chances of punishment or funding rejection.

Is Grant Management Software User Friendly?

A majority of the housing platforms have user-friendly interfaces. They provide dashboards, step-by-step instructions and tutorials to allow users to learn and handle grants with a lot of ease.