5 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Grants Management Software

Breaking up is hard to do, but sticking with a system you've outgrown (or that never worked well to start) isn't just a hassle - it can negatively effect the impact your nonprofit is trying to make. Consider these reasons it may be time to invest in software and your mission.

Outgrowing your organization’s software can be bittersweet: On the one hand, your organization is growing, thriving, and expanding its capabilities. On the other hand, your team has to learn to use a new system. But modern grants management software doesn’t have a steep learning curve; in fact, in many cases, these new systems were created specifically to meet the needs of today's nonprofits and can be further customized to suit your unique needs. Read on for five reasons you may be ready to upgrade your grants management system. 

Reason One: You Want Better Performance and Security

Not only are today’s software systems leaner, more secure, and better able to integrate with other platforms, they offer the business-critical features used by top organizations. These features enable you to securely collect data, streamline the review process, and communicate with stakeholders, all from the same platform. 

Here’s another sign that you’re ready to upgrade: You’re using multiple programs to do your work. If you’re still struggling with spreadsheets to manually collect and analyze data, look for a system that generates reports at the click of a mouse. 

Reason Two: Your Team Needs More Flexibility

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Using web-based software allows your team to be more agile, whether that means working from home or recruiting remote contractors. Your team will be able to easily access information - for example, an application that requires multiple reviewers’ input - from any location. It’s also important to choose a platform that enables stakeholder access and communication. 

Reason 3: You Want to Be More Responsive

This is a simple one. The work you do is important, and people need help now more than ever. If you want to save your grantmaking staff time while giving applicants better access to information, it’s time for a new system. 

Another crucial feature is the ability to enact a rapid response after an emergency. The quicker you can respond to a crisis, the quicker you’ll be able to get help where it’s needed, whether it’s a student relief fund, employee assistance fund, or a small business & community relief program. 

Reason 4: It’s Just Not a Good Fit

Every nonprofit organization is different: you solve unique problems for unique populations. So why would you want a cookie-cutter software that isn’t designed for your particular needs? Look for software that is fully customizable to your organization, your process, and your team. You also want nonprofit management software that integrates with other cloud-based products, such as Salesforce, GuideStar, and Zapier. 

Reason 5: You Deserve Software That Has Your Back

Nonprofit organizations understand the importance of giving and getting help. That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of choosing a grant management software with comprehensive customer support. Truly comprehensive client service has three major components:

• Implementation: A software company worth its salt will be happy to spend ample time, pre-sale, to discuss your organization’s needs and how their product can be customized to meet them. They should work with you to build a blueprint for software that works for your process from start to finish. 
• Education: A new software is only valuable if you know how to use it. Educational services for your team should be made available at no additional cost. This can involve self-guided beginner’s manuals or a full-service training session to walk users through the new system. Tip: These educational tools also make it a breeze to onboard new team members!
• Support: Of course, even the best onboarding can leave you with questions. That’s why it’s crucial for support services to be available, so that you can resolve issues quickly. Many software companies offer a helpline during regular business hours, so that you can speak to someone directly, or a knowledge base within the platform. 

We hope that this tip sheet has taken you from dreading your organization’s software overhaul to getting excited to see just what you can do with the support of an optimizing software. Upgrade curious? Start by speaking to one of the specialists at WizeHive. We’ll answer your questions and even put together a custom demo for you to try out yourself!