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Managing grants can feel like one more heavy task on a long list. Most pastors I know are already stretched—preaching, shepherding, discipling, putting out fires. Chasing down application deadlines or tracking how funds are spent isn’t where your time is best spent. That’s why grant management software matters.

It’s not just about organization—it’s about stewardship. The right tool helps you stay on top of applications, reporting, and funding timelines without drowning in admin. You stay focused on ministry while still handling grants with integrity.

I’ve reviewed a range of tools that can actually serve churches—ones that make life easier, not more complicated. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for grant management software, along with honest pros and cons. No fluff. Just what you need to make a smart, ministry-minded decision.

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Best Grant Management Software Summary

This quick-reference chart lays out pricing and key features for the top grant management software options I’ve reviewed. It’s designed to help pastors and church leaders find the right fit for their ministry’s needs and budget—without getting lost in technical jargon or bloated pricing models.

Best Grant Management Software Reviews

Below are the grant management software tools I believe are worth your time. Each summary gives you a clear look at features, pros and cons, integration options, and where each tool fits best. Whether you’re running point on grant applications or leaning on a staff member to manage the process, this guide will help you find the right fit for your church.

Best for donor retention

  • Free demo available
  • From $40/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Bloomerang is a donor management software designed for nonprofits of all sizes, focusing on enhancing donor engagement and retention. It offers tools for managing donor relationships, tracking donations, and organizing fundraising campaigns. 

Why I picked Bloomerang: It excels in donor retention, making it perfect for nonprofits that want to keep their supporters engaged. The software includes features like donor engagement scoring and retention tracking, which help you understand and improve your donor relationships. You can also access customizable dashboards and reports to analyze your fundraising performance. These tools make it easier to focus on strategies that enhance donor loyalty.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include email marketing, online giving, and event management. Email marketing tools help you communicate effectively with your donors. Online giving features make the donation process simple and accessible. Event management tools assist you in planning and executing successful fundraising events.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Zapier, Eventbrite, Double the Donation, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, Kindful, Qgiv, and Stripe.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Regular software updates
  • Helpful customer support
  • Visual donor engagement tools
  • Customizable reporting options
  • Strong focus on donor retention

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Basic event management
  • Occasional system slowdowns
  • Limited advanced features

Best for donor management

  • 30-day free trial available
  • From $45/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

Little Green Light is a cloud-based donor management tool designed for small to mid-sized nonprofits. It helps organizations manage donor relationships, track contributions, and organize fundraising efforts. 

Why I picked Little Green Light: It's focused on donor management, making it ideal for nonprofits looking to enhance their donor engagement. The software includes features like donor tracking, gift management, and customizable reporting. These tools allow you to maintain detailed records of donor interactions and contributions. You can also create tailored reports to analyze donor data effectively.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include event management, task tracking, and email communication. Event management helps you plan and execute fundraising events efficiently. Task tracking keeps your team organized by assigning and monitoring tasks. Email communication tools let you reach out to donors directly from the platform.

Integrations include Gusto, Bloomerang, Church Community Builder, DonorElf, Raisely, Keela, PEX, and FACTS Management. Custom connections can be made via the Aplos Open API.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Frequent updates
  • Responsive customer support
  • Flexible reporting options
  • Strong donor tracking
  • Easy to learn

Cons:

  • No built-in accounting features
  • Limited mobile functionality
  • Occasional data syncing issues
  • Basic event management
  • Limited customization

Best for global use

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Grants Management is a versatile platform designed for organizations worldwide, offering solutions to manage the entire grant process. It's suitable for foundations, governments, and nonprofits, enabling them to handle applications, track funding, and generate reports. 

Why I picked Grants Management: It's ideal for global use, accommodating various languages and currencies, which is crucial for international organizations. The platform includes features like multilingual support and currency conversion, helping you manage grants across different regions. It also offers customizable dashboards to tailor the user experience to your specific needs. These features make it perfect for organizations operating on a global scale.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include multilingual support, currency conversion, and customizable dashboards. Multilingual support allows you to operate in different languages, making it accessible for international teams. Currency conversion helps you manage finances across borders. Customizable dashboards let you tailor the interface to suit your organization's preferences.

Integrations include Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, DocuSign, Zoom, Slack, Mailchimp, and QuickBooks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scalable for large organizations
  • Suitable for international teams
  • Customizable user interface
  • Handles various currencies
  • Supports multiple languages

Cons:

  • Basic analytics features
  • Occasional performance issues
  • Limited mobile support
  • Requires user training
  • Complex setup process

Best for easy setup

  • Free trial available
  • From $69/month

GEMS is a user-friendly grant management tool designed for grant writers, non-profit organizations, and consultants. It centralizes file storage, manages tasks, and provides instant reporting to simplify grant management processes. 

Why I picked GEMS: It's known for its easy setup, making it ideal for those who want to get started quickly. The software includes centralized file storage and task management, which help you organize your projects efficiently. Instant reporting features allow you to generate reports on the fly, enhancing your productivity. Additionally, GEMS offers excellent customer support, including coaching sessions to ensure you get the most out of the tool.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include deadline tracking, funder and client management, and real-time updates. Deadline tracking ensures you never miss a critical date for your grants. Funder and client management tools help you maintain strong relationships with stakeholders. Real-time updates keep your team informed of any changes or developments.

Integrations include popular native integrations such as QuickBooks, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, Slack, Trello, Asana, Mailchimp, and Zoom.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Centralized file storage
  • Excellent customer support
  • Real-time updates
  • Effective task tracking
  • Easy to set up

Cons:

  • Limited mobile functionality
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Occasional software glitches
  • Basic customization options
  • Limited advanced features

Best for customization

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

WizeHive is a flexible grant management platform designed for organizations that need tailored solutions. It serves nonprofits, foundations, and educational institutions by managing applications, tracking progress, and generating reports. 

Why I picked WizeHive: It's ideal for those who need customization, allowing you to mold the platform to fit your specific processes. The software provides customizable applications and workflows, which can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization. You can also create personalized dashboards to focus on the data that's most important to you. These features help ensure that the platform aligns perfectly with your workflow and objectives.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable applications, personalized dashboards, and workflow automation. Customizable applications let you tailor forms and processes to fit your needs. Personalized dashboards allow you to focus on the data that matters most to your team. Workflow automation streamlines repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for more critical work.

Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks, Zapier, DocuSign, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, Mailchimp, Zoom, and Dropbox.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored to specific processes
  • Personalized dashboard options
  • Effective progress tracking
  • Supports complex workflows
  • Highly customizable platform

Cons:

  • Basic analytics features
  • Occasional performance issues
  • Limited mobile functionality
  • Requires setup time
  • Can be overwhelming initially

Best for corporate giving

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

YourCause GrantsConnect is a grant management platform tailored for corporations and large organizations. It facilitates corporate giving programs by managing grant applications, tracking donations, and reporting on impact. 

Why I picked YourCause GrantsConnect: It excels in corporate giving, making it ideal for companies looking to manage their philanthropic efforts. The platform offers features like grant application management and impact reporting, which help you organize and assess your giving programs. You can also track donations and generate reports to understand the impact of your contributions. These tools ensure that your corporate giving aligns with your business goals and values.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include impact reporting, donation tracking, and volunteer management. Impact reporting lets you evaluate the success of your programs. Donation tracking provides insights into your financial contributions. Volunteer management tools help engage employees in your giving initiatives.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Blackbaud, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable workflows
  • Supports large-scale programs
  • Engages employees in giving
  • Effective donation tracking
  • Comprehensive impact reporting

Cons:

  • Limited advanced analytics
  • Occasional system slowdowns
  • Limited mobile access
  • Requires training for users
  • Complex initial setup

Best for collaboration

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Fluxx is a grant management platform designed for foundations and nonprofits that need to streamline their grant processes and enhance collaboration. It supports application management, reporting, and data analytics, helping organizations make informed decisions.

Why I picked Fluxx: It's highly effective for collaboration, making it perfect for teams that need to work together seamlessly. The platform offers real-time data sharing and collaborative tools that ensure everyone is on the same page. You can also customize workflows to fit your organization's specific needs, promoting efficiency. These features make it ideal for organizations that prioritize teamwork in their grant management efforts.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time data sharing, customizable workflows, and advanced reporting. Real-time data sharing ensures all team members have access to the latest information. Customizable workflows let you tailor processes to your organization's specific needs. Advanced reporting tools provide insights that help you make informed decisions.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Slack, QuickBooks, SAP, DocuSign, Zoom, Dropbox, and Box.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored for teamwork
  • Real-time data sharing
  • Advanced reporting capabilities
  • Customizable workflows
  • Strong focus on collaboration

Cons:

  • Basic analytics features
  • Occasional system slowdowns
  • Limited offline functionality
  • Requires training sessions
  • Complex setup process

Best for community foundations

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Grant Lifecycle Manager is a grant management solution designed for community foundations and charitable organizations. It supports the entire grant lifecycle, from application to reporting, helping organizations streamline their grant processes.

Why I picked Grant Lifecycle Manager: It's tailored for community foundations, providing tools that cater to their specific needs. The software helps manage applications and simplifies reporting, which is crucial for organizations handling multiple grants. It also offers customizable workflows, allowing you to adapt the software to fit your organization's processes. Additionally, the platform includes features for tracking grant outcomes, ensuring that your efforts align with your community goals.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable workflows, outcome tracking, and comprehensive reporting. Customizable workflows let you tailor the grant process to suit your organization's needs. Outcome tracking helps you measure the impact of your grants. Comprehensive reporting provides insights into your grant activities, helping you make informed decisions.

Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Sage Intacct, DocuSign, GuideStar, TechSoup, Bloomerang, and Network for Good.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports complex grant processes
  • Comprehensive reporting
  • Effective outcome tracking
  • Customizable workflows
  • Tailored for community foundations

Cons:

  • Limited advanced analytics
  • Occasional system slowdowns
  • Limited mobile access
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Requires initial setup time

Best for employee engagement

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Benevity is a corporate social responsibility platform designed for businesses looking to enhance their employee engagement and community impact. It helps companies manage donation programs, volunteer initiatives, and grantmaking efforts. 

Why I picked Benevity: It's specifically focused on employee engagement, making it a top choice for businesses that want to involve their workforce in giving back. The platform includes features like volunteer tracking and donation matching, which encourage employee participation. You can also manage grant applications and track their outcomes, aligning your corporate social responsibility goals with your business objectives. These capabilities help foster a culture of giving within your organization.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include volunteer tracking, donation matching, and impact measurement. Volunteer tracking lets you monitor employee participation in volunteer activities. Donation matching encourages employees to contribute by matching their donations. Impact measurement tools help you assess the effectiveness of your corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Workday, ADP, Okta, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Aligns with corporate goals
  • Supports donation matching
  • Measures impact effectively
  • Tracks volunteer activities
  • Encourages employee participation

Cons:

  • Basic analytics features
  • Occasional system slowdowns
  • Limited mobile access
  • Requires training for users
  • Complex initial setup

Best for small nonprofits

  • 15-day free trial
  • From $39.50/month

Aplos Software is a cloud-based management platform designed for nonprofits and churches. It offers key features like fund accounting, donor management, and online donations to help organizations manage their financial activities efficiently. 

Why I picked Aplos Software: It's tailored for small nonprofits, making it an ideal choice for those with limited resources. The platform includes fund accounting and donor management tools, crucial for small organizations to track funds and engage donors effectively. Online donation features simplify the giving process, enhancing donor experience. Customizable reporting allows you to create reports that fit your specific needs, making financial management straightforward.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include online donations, customizable reporting, and email marketing. Online donations make it easy for your donors to contribute, while customizable reporting helps you generate specific reports that your organization needs. Email marketing tools allow you to engage with your audience and keep them informed about your activities.

Integrations include Gusto, Bloomerang, Church Community Builder, DonorElf, Raisely, Keela, PEX, and FACTS Management. Custom integrations can be created using the Aplos Open API.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable reports
  • Effective donor management
  • Comprehensive accounting tools
  • User-friendly interface
  • Easy setup and onboarding

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Customer support response time
  • Occasional software glitches
  • Limited advanced features

Other Grant Management Software

Here are a few more grant management software options that didn’t make my top picks—but may still be a good fit for your church, depending on your needs and budget:

  1. eCivis

    For government grants

  2. SurveyMonkey

    For custom application forms

  3. Submittable

    For submission management

  4. Instrumentl

    For grant discovery and tracking

  5. Blackbaud

    For large-scale grant management

How I Evaluated Grant Management Software (With Pastors in Mind)

Most pastors didn’t get into ministry to manage grants. But if you’re pursuing outside funding—especially for outreach, facilities, or community work—you need tools that won’t slow you down. I evaluated the best grant management software based on how helpful they’d actually be in a church or ministry setting.

Here’s the framework I used:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
Each platform needed to cover the basics that ministry leaders actually use:

  • Managing grant applications
  • Tracking budgets and funding
  • Generating reports for leadership or funders
  • Staying compliant with grant terms
  • Communicating with internal and external stakeholders

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
Some platforms go beyond the basics. I looked for extras that help churches stay organized and flexible:

  • Custom workflows that adapt to your ministry's process
  • Tools for real-time collaboration (especially for multi-campus teams)
  • Strong analytics to see what’s working
  • Multilingual support for diverse congregations or communities
  • Integrations with tools you already use (QuickBooks, Planning Center, etc.)

Usability (10% of total score)
If it’s not easy to use, your team won’t use it. I looked for:

  • Clean, intuitive design
  • Clear instructions and labels
  • Low learning curve (especially for volunteers or part-time admins)
  • A good balance of features and simplicity

Onboarding (10% of total score)
A smooth start makes all the difference. I looked for:

  • Step-by-step product tours
  • Access to training videos and written guides
  • Live or recorded webinars
  • Support tools like live chat or guided setup

Customer Support (10% of total score)
Church leaders wear enough hats already. If something breaks, you need help fast. I checked for:

  • 24/7 availability (or at least extended hours)
  • Multiple ways to get help (chat, phone, email)
  • Knowledgeable, ministry-aware support staff
  • Fast response times and good documentation

Value For Money (10% of total score)
I know church budgets are tight. So I evaluated:

  • Transparent pricing (no surprises)
  • Scalable plans for growing churches
  • Features offered at each tier
  • Discounts or pricing options for nonprofits

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
I paid close attention to what actual users—especially from churches and small nonprofits—were saying:

  • Consistent positive feedback
  • Reports of common issues
  • Satisfaction with tools and features
  • Responsiveness and follow-through from the vendor

How to Choose the Right Grant Management Software for Your Church

Don’t let a list of fancy features or confusing pricing models throw you off. Here’s a simple checklist you can use to evaluate whether a grant management software solution will fit your ministry:

Factor What to Consider
ScalabilityWill it grow with your ministry?
IntegrationsDoes it work with your existing tools (accounting, CRM, etc.)?
CustomizabilityCan you shape it to fit how your church handles grants?
Ease of UseCan your staff and volunteers pick it up quickly?
BudgetDoes it fit within your financial limits, including setup and add-ons?
Security Are there protections in place for sensitive financial data?
Support ServicesCan you get real help when something goes wrong?
Reporting CapabilitiesWill it help you show impact to donors, boards, or grant providers?

During my research, I noticed a few trends that are especially relevant to churches and ministries:

  • AI-Powered Insights: Some platforms use AI to help you see what’s working and what’s not in your grant applications. For smaller churches without a grant expert on staff, this can save time and guesswork.
  • Blockchain for Transparency: While still emerging, a few tools are starting to use blockchain for secure, traceable fund tracking. This could help when funders ask for detailed reporting.
  • Better Collaboration Tools: More platforms are improving how teams can share documents, leave notes, and communicate—all in one place. This is a plus if multiple staff or volunteers are involved.
  • User-Friendly Design: Vendors are investing in easier interfaces. If you’ve been burned by clunky systems in the past, newer options may surprise you.
  • Real-Time Reporting: Dashboards are becoming standard, so you can see at a glance what’s been submitted, what’s pending, and where funds are going.

What Is Grant Management Software?

Put simply, grant management software helps churches and ministries track, apply for, and manage grants from beginning to end. From filling out applications to tracking spending and reporting to funders, these tools are designed to save time and reduce mistakes.

Even if your church isn’t staffed like a big nonprofit, the right software can give you the same level of organization—and help make sure no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Key Features to Look For

If you're evaluating different options, make sure the software includes:

  • Application tracking: Keep tabs on deadlines, status, and requirements
  • Compliance tools – Avoid missteps that could cost you future funding
  • Custom workflows – Match your grant process to your church’s actual workflow
  • Real-time analytics – Understand trends and performance
  • Collaboration features – Easily loop in other staff or board members
  • Budget management – Track funds in and out
  • Strong reporting – Pull reports that show progress and impact
  • Data security – Keep sensitive information safe
  • Tool integration – Sync with your CRM or accounting software
  • User-friendly design – So anyone on your team can use it confidently

Why Churches Benefit from Grant Management Software

Here’s what the right grant management software can do for your church:

  • Free up your time by automating repetitive admin tasks
  • Keep you compliant with grant requirements and reporting deadlines
  • Improve teamwork by keeping everyone on the same page
  • Help you make better decisions with real-time financial and grant data
  • Stretch your resources by tracking how every dollar is used
  • Simplify reporting for leadership teams and funders

Pricing: What Grant Management Software Typically Costs

Not every church needs the highest-tier plan. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect based on your needs and size:

Plan Comparison Table for Grant Management Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic application tracking, limited support, minimal storage
Personal Plan$10-$30/user/monthBudget tracking, basic reports, email support
Business Plan$40-$80/user/monthTeam tools, integrations, custom workflows
Enterprise Plan$50-$$100-$200/user/month100/user/monthFull analytics, priority support, advanced security

Grant Management Software FAQs (for Pastors and Ministry Teams)

If you’re new to managing grants—or just tired of wrestling with messy spreadsheets—these common questions might help you get clarity.

How do I switch to a new grant management software?

Start by taking stock of your current process. What’s working? What’s holding you back? Then look for grant management software that solves those pain points. Before you switch, export your existing data (like past applications, reports, and budgets) and make sure it’s compatible with the new system. Be ready to train your staff and volunteers, and plan for a little learning curve during the transition. Good planning upfront prevents a headache later.

What does a grant management system actually do?

Think of grant management software as your central hub for everything grant-related. It helps your church manage the full grant process—from application to funding to reporting. It keeps you organized, reduces mistakes, helps you stay compliant, and gives you helpful data to see what’s working. If your ministry is pursuing outside funding, it’s a game-changer.

How do I evaluate grant management software for my church?

Start with your needs: Are you mainly applying for grants, managing multiple funders, or reporting on outcomes? Look at how the software handles those tasks. Then check for scalability (can it grow with you?), ease of use (can your team actually use it?), and value (is it worth the cost?). Read reviews from other churches or small nonprofits, and always request a demo so you can see it in action before making a commitment.

What are the main benefits of using grant management software in ministry?

The right grant management software can take a lot of weight off your shoulders. It automates repetitive tasks, helps your team collaborate better, keeps you aligned with grant requirements, and gives you real-time insight into how funds are being used. Bottom line: it helps your church focus more on ministry and less on paperwork.

How does grant management software help with compliance?

Grant compliance is no small thing—missing a deadline or misreporting funds can cost your church future opportunities. Good grant management software tracks key dates, monitors fund usage, and generates reports that make compliance a lot simpler. It brings peace of mind and helps you stay accountable to your funders.

Can grant management software connect with other tools my church already uses?

Yes, most modern platforms integrate with accounting tools like QuickBooks, CRM systems, and even email platforms. That means fewer manual updates, better accuracy, and more time for real ministry work. If you’re already using software to manage finances or donor relationships, be sure to ask about integrations before you commit.

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Joshua Gordon
By Joshua Gordon

Joshua Gordon is a lay-pastor, author, and editor of TheLeadPastor.com. Over the last two decades, Josh has worked closely with pastors and other christian leaders, helping them to sharpen and elevate their messages. Today, Joshua pastors at New Life Fellowship, a thriving church he helped plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.