
Managing donations and grants is a crucial part of nonprofit success, but keeping track of donors, funding applications, and reporting requirements can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where donor and grant management software comes in. These platforms help nonprofits, foundations, and fundraising organizations streamline their financial processes, track donor engagement, automate outreach, and ensure compliance with grant requirements—all in one place.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top donor and grant management software solutions, highlighting their key features, benefits, and how they can help you maximize fundraising efforts while staying organized.
Key Takeaways
- The top 5 donor and grant management software solutions are Knack, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, Neon One, and Kindful.
- Effective donor and grant management software includes features like customizable databases, automation, fundraising tools, communication tools, and reporting and analytics capabilities.
- Donor and grant management software pricing varies depending on factors such as organization size, number of users, and the features selected. The common pricing models are subscription-based, one-time licensing fees, tiered, and per-user.
Software Comparison Chart
Software Name | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
Knack | Fully customizable without needing a developer Scalable Strong integration capabilities | Requires setup time to build custom solutions Some integrations may require technical support May have a learning curve | Subscription-based |
Bloomerang | User-friendly interface Offers social media features Includes volunteer management tools | Limited grant management features Not ideal for large organizations Limited customization options | Subscription-based tiered pricing |
DonorPerfect | Easily scalable Integrates with payment processors and fundraising tools Strong automation capabilities | Limited mobile functionality Requires additional setup for advanced features Some integrations may cost extra | Tiered |
Neon One | Supports multiple types of fundraising Built-in donor acknowledgment tools Strong grant reporting capabilities | Can be overwhelming for small nonprofits Advanced reporting tools may require extra setup Setup can be time-consuming | Subscription-based |
Foundant | Offers centralized document storage Built-in searchable funder database Supports team collaboration | Not a full donor management system Limited fundraising and event management features Requires onboarding to fully utilize grant tracking tools | Subscription-based |
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud | Ideal for large organizations Extensive integrations with fundraising and accounting tools Advanced data reporting and analytics | Customization requires technical expertise Significant learning curve May not be suitable for smaller nonprofits | Subscription-based |
CharityEngine | Comprehensive engagement tracking tools Built-in fundraising, email marketing, and CRM tools Strong automation features | Customization may require technical expertise Can be overwhelming for new users Limited third-party integrations | Custom tiers |
Network for Good | Offers personalized fundraising coaching Provides donor giving history insights Built-in text-to-give functionality | Limited grant management capabilities Limited advanced reporting features Not ideal for complex donor segmentation | Contact for pricing |
Fluxx | Offers real-time fund tracking Helps ensure compliance with automated tracking Includes customizable application workflows | No donor management tools May be too advanced for small nonprofits Setup and onboarding can be time-consuming | Contact for pricing |
Zeffy | Integrated donor CRM Simple and easy to set up Offers peer-to-peer fundraising support | Limited grant management toolsLimited advanced CRM featuresLimited reporting capabilities | Free |
Little Green Light | Budget-friendly option for small nonprofits Flexible contact management Logs and categorizes donations | Lacks built-in grant management tools Limited integrations Limited customization options | Subscription-based |
Top Donor and Grants Management Software
Knack
Knack is a no-code database platform designed to help organizations build fully customized donor and grant management systems. Unlike traditional CRMs with predefined structures, Knack lets users create unique forms, workflows, and automation processes tailored to their specific needs. It’s ideal for nonprofits and foundations that require a flexible, scalable solution without needing extensive IT resources.
Key Features
- Automated grant workflow management
- Donor contribution tracking
- Custom reporting dashboards
Pros
- Fully customizable without needing a developer
- Scalable for organizations of all sizes
- Strong integration capabilities
Cons
- Requires setup time to build custom solutions
- Some integrations may require technical support
- May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with database building
Pricing: Subscription-based pricing
Best For: Nonprofits and foundations that need a fully customizable donor and grant management system without relying on IT teams.
Ready to get started? Use our free grant management template app to build custom software.
Bloomerang
Bloomerang is a donor-centric CRM designed to help small—to mid-sized nonprofits improve donor retention. Its intuitive interface and strong donor database capabilities make it ideal for organizations that prioritize long-term donor engagement.
Key Features
- Donor engagement scoring
- Recurring donation management
- Built-in email marketing
Pros
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Offers social media features
- Includes volunteer management tools
Cons
- Limited grant management features
- Not ideal for large organizations with complex needs
- Customization options are somewhat limited
Pricing: Subscription-based tiered pricing
Best For: Small to mid-sized nonprofits looking for an easy-to-use donor database with engagement tracking and outreach tools.
DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect is a comprehensive donor and grant management platform with flexible tracking features. It caters to nonprofits of all sizes and offers customizable donor records, grant tracking tools, and automated workflows to streamline fundraising and reporting.
Key Features
- Pledge management system
- Customizable reporting tools
- Multi-user collaboration
Pros
- Adaptable for small and large nonprofits
- Strong integration options with payment processors and fundraising tools
- Strong automation capabilities
Cons
- Limited mobile functionality
- Requires additional setup for advanced features
- Some integrations may cost extra
Pricing: Tiered
Best For: Nonprofits of all sizes that need a flexible, feature-rich donor and grant tracking system.
Neon One
Neon One is a full-featured nonprofit management system designed for growing organizations that need to manage donors, grants, memberships, and events in one place. It’s particularly well-suited for organizations handling multiple funding streams and large-scale donor engagement efforts.
Key Features
- Automated grant submission tracking
- Donor segmentation
- Event registration and ticketing
Pros
- Supports multiple types of fundraising, including memberships and peer-to-peer giving
- Built-in donor acknowledgment tools
- Strong grant reporting capabilities
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for small nonprofits with limited resources
- Advanced reporting tools may require extra setup
- Setup can be time-consuming
Pricing: Subscription-based
Best For: Mid-sized and growing nonprofits that need a comprehensive donor and grant management platform with automation features.
Foundant
Foundant is a grant-focused management platform designed to help nonprofits research, track, and manage grant applications from start to finish. Unlike general donor management CRMs, Foundant is built specifically for securing and maintaining grant funding.
Key Features
- Grant application pipeline tracking
- Automated task assignments
- Automated deadline reminders
Pros
- Offers centralized document storage
- Built-in searchable funder database
- Supports collaboration between multiple team members
Cons
- Not a full donor management system
- Limited fundraising and event management features
- Requires onboarding to fully utilize grant tracking tools
Pricing: Subscription-based
Best For: Nonprofits that depend primarily on grant funding and need a dedicated platform for application tracking.
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a highly customizable CRM that provides donor and grant management solutions for large nonprofits. Built on the Salesforce platform, it offers scalable data management tools and robust reporting capabilities to handle complex nonprofit operations.
Key Features
- Grant lifecycle management
- AI-powered donor insights
- Custom automation workflows
Pros
- Scalable for large organizations
- Extensive integrations with fundraising and accounting tools
- Advanced data reporting and analytics
Cons
- Customization requires technical expertise
- Significant learning curve
- May not be suitable for smaller nonprofits
Pricing: Subscription-based
Best For: Large nonprofits with complex donor and grant management needs that require extensive customization.
CharityEngine
CharityEngine is an all-in-one nonprofit management platform with advanced donor and grant tracking capabilities. It’s designed for mid to large-sized nonprofits looking for a comprehensive solution that includes fundraising, donor engagement, and grant management in a single system.
Key Features
- Automated grant disbursement tracking
- Integrated donor and event management
- Custom reporting and analytics tools
Pros
- Comprehensive engagement tracking tools
- Built-in fundraising, email marketing, and CRM tools
- Strong automation features
Cons
- Customization may require technical expertise
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Limited third-party integrations
Pricing: Custom tiers
Best For: Mid to large-sized nonprofits needing an all-in-one fundraising, donor, and grant management solution.
Network for Good
Network for Good is an easy-to-use donor management system with optional grant tracking add-ons. It’s designed for small to medium-sized nonprofits looking for an affordable and simple fundraising solution.
Key Features
- Built-in donor communication and fundraising tools
- Recurring donation processing
- Basic grant tracking tools
Pros
- Offers personalized fundraising coaching
- Provides donor giving history insights
- Built-in text-to-give functionality
Cons
- Limited grant management capabilities
- Limited advanced reporting features
- Not ideal for complex donor segmentation
Pricing: Contact for pricing
Best For: Small to medium-sized nonprofits needing an intuitive donor management system with built-in fundraising tools.
Fluxx
Fluxx is a powerful grant management platform designed for nonprofits handling multiple grants. It focuses on collaboration and transparency, making it easy to track applications, manage reporting, and communicate with funders.
Key Features
- Real-time collaboration tools
- Automated reporting reminders
- Funder portal integration
Pros
- Offers real-time fund tracking
- Helps ensure compliance with automated tracking
- Includes customizable application workflows
Cons
- No donor management tools
- May be too advanced for small nonprofits
- Setup and onboarding can be time-consuming
Pricing: Contact for pricing
Best For: Nonprofits with large grant portfolios requiring detailed tracking and team collaboration.
Zeffy
Zeffy is a 100% free fundraising and donor management platform that provides nonprofits with fee-free donation processing. It’s perfect for organizations looking to maximize donations without losing revenue to platform fees.
Key Features
- Built-in event ticketing
- Basic donor relationship tracking
- Recurring donation support
Pros:
- Integrated donor CRM
- Simple and easy to set up
- Offers peer-to-peer fundraising support
Cons
- Limited grant management tools
- Limited advanced CRM features
- Limited reporting capabilities
Pricing: Free
Best For: Nonprofits needing a cost-effective donor management platform without processing fees.
Little Green Light
Little Green Light is an affordable donor management system designed for small nonprofits. It helps organizations easily track donor interactions and streamline fundraising efforts.
Key Features
- Task and follow-up reminders
- Detailed donor segmentation
- Customizable reporting dashboard
Pros
- Budget-friendly option for small nonprofits
- Flexible contact management
- Logs and categorizes donations
Cons
- Lacks built-in grant management tools
- Limited integrations
- Limited customization options
Pricing: Subscription-based
Best For: Small nonprofits needing a low-cost, simple donor management solution.
Features to Look for In Donor and Grants Management Software
Selecting the right donor and grant management software goes beyond just finding a platform that stores data. Whether you’re focused on fundraising, grant tracking, or both, your software should support your organization’s goals by offering user-friendly tools and secure data management. Below, we’ve outlined a few key features to consider when evaluating your donor and grant management software options.
Donor Management Features
An effective donor management system is crucial for building strong donor relationships, optimizing fundraising efforts, and enhancing engagement. With features like the following, nonprofits can organize donor data, oversee campaigns, and automate outreach, ensuring consistent and meaningful connections with their supporters.
- Donor Database Management: Centralized storage of donor details, including contact information, giving history, and past interactions.
- Fundraising Tools: Manage donation campaigns, recurring gifts, and peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives.
- Reporting & Analytics: Track donor engagement, analyze fundraising performance, and measure donor retention rates.
- Email & Communication Tools: Automate donor outreach, send personalized acknowledgments, and schedule follow-ups.
- Automation & Workflows: Streamline engagement efforts with automated donor segmentation, reminders, and outreach campaigns.
Grants Management Features
Staying organized and meeting deadlines is crucial for nonprofits that rely on grants. These grant management features help organizations track applications, manage reporting requirements, and collaborate efficiently to secure and maintain funding:
- Grant Application Tracking: Monitor submission deadlines, statuses, and required documentation.
- Grant Reporting & Compliance: Ensure proper tracking of fund allocation and compliance with grantor requirements.
- Document Management: Securely store grant proposals, financial reports, and supporting materials in one place.
- Task & Deadline Management: Automate reminders for application deadlines, reporting requirements, and key milestones.
- Collaboration Tools: Enable multiple team members to work on grant proposals, approvals, and reporting in a shared environment.
Related: Guide to Grand Management Software for Universities
General Features
For a donor and grant management software solution to be truly effective, there are a few non-sector-specific features it should have:
- Integration Capabilities: Sync with accounting, CRM, email marketing, and fundraising tools for seamless workflows.
- Mobile Accessibility: Access donor and grant information from anywhere with mobile-friendly software.
- Security & Compliance: Protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.
- Customizable Dashboards: Personalize views to track key performance indicators (KPIs) for donors and grants.
How to Integrate Donor and Grants Management Software
Integrating donor and grants management software with other essential tools can streamline operations, improve data accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency. Below are key integration opportunities to maximize your software’s potential.
Fundraising Platforms
Syncing donation data from platforms like Classy, GoFundMe, or PayPal ensures that all contributions are automatically recorded in your donor management system. This integration helps track fundraising performance, automate donor acknowledgments, and provide real-time insights into giving trends, making it easier to analyze and optimize fundraising efforts.
Accounting Software
Integrating donor and grant management software with accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero simplifies financial tracking by automatically logging donations, grant disbursements, and expenses. This connection improves budget management, streamlines grant reporting, and ensures compliance by maintaining accurate financial records without manual data transfers.
Email Marketing Tools
Connecting with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact allows nonprofits to automate donor outreach, grant updates, and campaign announcements. These integrations enable personalized communication, scheduled follow-ups, and performance tracking to ensure that fundraising appeals and grant communications reach the right audience at the right time.
CRM Systems
Integrating with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system helps nonprofits centralize donor, funder, and grant data in one place. This ensures that teams can track interactions, manage communication efforts, and improve donor retention by having all relevant data accessible in a single, organized system.
Project Management Tools
Connecting donor and grant management software with project management platforms like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com helps nonprofits organize grant application deadlines, reporting tasks, and donor campaign schedules. By managing these activities collaboratively, organizations can improve accountability, track progress in real-time, and ensure the timely completion of key fundraising and grant-related projects.
Mobile & Cloud Integrations
Cloud-based and mobile-friendly integrations allow nonprofit teams to access donor and grant data from anywhere. These integrations provide flexibility and efficiency, whether tracking donations on the go, updating grant application statuses, or checking campaign performance.
5 Reasons to Choose Knack for Donor Management
Here are five key reasons why you should choose Knack for donor management, based on user reviews and its ability to integrate horizontally across project management, accounting, and other departments:
1. Holistic Integration Across Departments
Knack is more than just a donor management system—it can be horizontally aligned with project management, accounting, and other operational areas to provide a unified solution. Organizations can track donors, manage grants, oversee volunteer work, and align financial data seamlessly, reducing inefficiencies and improving decision-making.
2. Customizable and Scalable for Nonprofits
Users appreciate Knack’s ability to be customized to fit their specific needs, whether tracking donations, organizing fundraising efforts, or setting up scheduled reminders for important tasks. It can scale from small nonprofits to larger organizations, ensuring that as your donor base grows, your system remains efficient.
Learn more about our non-profit solutions.
3. Cost-Effective with No Per-User Charges
Unlike other platforms that charge per user, Knack offers pricing tiers that allow nonprofits to add unlimited users without incurring extra costs. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to involve multiple departments in donor management without worrying about escalating fees.
4. Powerful Reporting and Data Accessibility
Knack allows organizations to generate detailed reports with various data visualization options, such as graphs and summaries. This flexibility ensures that donor trends, grant allocations, and fundraising performance are easily accessible and actionable for decision-makers.
Learn more about our reporting capabilities.
5. Responsive Customer Support and Continuous Improvements
Many users highlight Knack’s responsive customer support and ongoing system upgrades. Although there are occasional technical glitches, the platform consistently evolves to improve usability and performance, making it a long-term solution for donor management and nonprofit operations.
By choosing Knack, nonprofits can move beyond siloed donor tracking and create a fully integrated system that aligns with their entire operational workflow.
FAQs
Common questions and answers:
What is donor and grants management software?
Donor and grants management software helps nonprofits track donations, manage donor relationships, and oversee grant applications in one centralized system. It streamlines fundraising efforts, automates reporting, and ensures compliance with funding requirements. These tools help organizations maximize financial resources and reduce administrative workload.
Why do nonprofits need donor and grants management software?
Nonprofits rely on donor and grants management software to organize funding sources, improve donor engagement, and track grant applications efficiently. It eliminates manual data entry, provides real-time financial insights, and automates communication with donors and funders. This allows organizations to focus more on their mission and less on administrative tasks.
How does donor and grants management software improve fundraising and grant tracking?
Donor and grants management software improves fundraising by automating donor outreach, tracking fundraising campaigns, and monitoring grant application deadlines, reducing the risk of missed opportunities. They also provide real-time analytics and reporting to help nonprofits optimize fundraising strategies and meet grant compliance requirements.
Can donor management software track grants as well?
Some donor management platforms include basic grant tracking features, but not all are built for full grant lifecycle management. Nonprofits needing detailed grant tracking, reporting, and compliance tools should choose software that specifically supports these functions. Many organizations opt for integrated solutions that handle both donor and grant management.
What’s the difference between donor management and grants management software?
Donor management software focuses on tracking donations, managing donor relationships, and running fundraising campaigns. Grants management software helps nonprofits monitor grant applications, track fund distribution, and ensure compliance with funding requirements. Some platforms offer both functionalities, while others specialize in one.
Is donor and grants management software secure?
Most reputable donor and grants management platforms protect sensitive donor and financial data through encryption, secure cloud storage, and compliance measures (such as GDPR or HIPAA)To enhance security, organizations should choose software with role-based access controls, data backup features, and audit logs to enhance security. Always verify the software’s security certifications and compliance policies before implementation.
How do I migrate donor and grant data into new software?
Most platforms offer data import tools, CSV uploads, or integrations with existing databases to make migration easier. Some providers also offer personalized onboarding and data migration assistance to ensure a smooth transition.
Can donor and grants management software integrate with other nonprofit tools?
Yes, many platforms integrate with nonprofit fundraising tools, accounting software, email marketing platforms, and CRMs to create a seamless nonprofit management system. These integrations help sync donation data, automate communications, and streamline grant reporting.
What’s the best donor and grants management software for small nonprofits?
Knack is the best donor and grants management software for small nonprofits because it offers a fully customizable, no-code platform that adapts to any organization’s needs. It provides easy-to-use donor tracking, grant management, and automation tools that don’t require technical expertise. Small nonprofits benefit from its scalability, affordability, and ability to integrate with existing tools.
Transform Your Donor and Grant Management With Knack!
Choosing the right donor and grant management software can transform how your nonprofit tracks donations, manages funding opportunities, and engages with supporters. Knack provides a fully customizable, no-code solution that allows nonprofits to build donor and grant management systems tailored to their unique needs. With automated workflows, custom reporting dashboards, and seamless integrations, Knack makes it easy to track donor contributions, monitor grant applications, and manage fundraising efforts—all in one place. Start building for free today!