Finding the right grant management tool can be a game-changer for your nonprofit organization. If you’ve been relying on GrantMakers.io but feel it’s time for a more comprehensive, user-friendly, and powerful solution, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to five top alternatives to GrantMakers.io that can enhance your grant application success rate and streamline your grant management process. Keep reading to discover the perfect fit for your nonprofit’s needs and take the first step toward securing more funding for your cause.
Let’s go!
Why You Might Look for a GrantMakers.io Alternative
GrantMakers.io, while a valuable tool for many nonprofits, has some limitations and challenges that may prompt users to seek alternatives. Here are three common reasons why grant professionals might look for other solutions.
Basic Prospecting Tools
GrantMakers.io is a great starting point for grant research and prospecting.
This free platform provides access to IRS Form 990 filings, enabling users to search the database effectively. This tool is self-described as an “open window into the IRS 990 dataset.”
The platform’s search functionalities are geared towards quickly finding specific funders and their historical giving trends. However, because the data within the platform is pulled exclusively from previous 990s, you can only search for previously awarded grants, not any active opportunities. You would need to do additional research to identify if the funder had any open and active grants available.
GrantMakers.io also doesn’t offer any sophisticated prospecting features that more advanced tools provide, such as smart matching, advanced funder insights, or recipient profiles.
Limited Dataset
GrantMakers.io pulls its data for its database exclusively from IRS Form 990-PF filings, which means it only includes electronically filed tax returns. This leaves out a significant portion of potential funders who might not be filing electronically.
Additionally, the GrantMakers.io dataset does not include government grant opportunities or community foundations, eliminating other potentially significant funding sources.
These limitations in the available data can be a significant drawback for grant professionals seeking accurate, comprehensive funding information.
Lack of Post-Award Management Tools
While it offers valuable resources for initial grant research, GrantMakers.io lacks any post-award management tools that grant professionals need to track and manage awarded grants.
In fact, GrantMakers.io describes itself as "the perfect springboard to Instrumentl”, highlighting its role as a solid initial research tool rather than a full-spectrum grant management solution.
If you utilize GrantMakers.io for your grant-seeking needs, you’ll likely need to invest in another tool or software for post-award management. This limitation can be a significant drawback for grant professionals seeking an integrated solution that supports the entire grant lifecycle.
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In this section, we’ll explore five alternatives to GrantMakers.io, evaluating each based on several key criteria:
Features
Types of funders listed
User-friendliness
Popularity
Pricing
By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of the various GrantMakers.io alternatives and which might be the best fit for you and your nonprofit. Let’s dive in!
1. Instrumentl
Instrumentl is a robust platform designed to streamline the entire grant management process, from identifying funding opportunities to handling post-award administration. Let’s dive a little deeper into its features and benefits.
Features
Instrumentl simplifies the grant process with a suite of powerful features that stand out from the competition, including:
Acomprehensive database of grant opportunities from government entities, corporations, and foundations.
Advanced smart matching technology to identify the best-fit funding opportunities for your organization.
A submission tracker and grants calendar to keep you and your team organized and on schedule, ensuring no deadlines are missed.
Multi-user collaboration tools to ensure seamless teamwork and coordination.
Automatic deadline updates and reminders to prevent missing any application or reporting deadline.
Advanced funder insights and 990 snapshots that provide easy-to-read data and valuable funding trends.
Instrumentl’s platform offers comprehensive tools for grant prospecting, tracking, and post-award management. This all-in-one solution simplifies handling the complexities of the grant lifecycle from start to finish.
Types of Funders Listed
Instrumentl serves as a comprehensive platform for discovering funding opportunities, featuring a diverse database that includes:
Local, state, and federal government agencies
Corporations
Associations and societies
Foundations
With over 400,000 funders, 17,000 active RFPs, and 150+ new funding opportunities added each week, Instrumentl’s grant database distinguishes itself from other competitors on the market.
User Friendliness
Instrumentl is renowned for its intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their level of tech proficiency.
The platform offers simple navigation, automated notifications for upcoming deadlines, and collaboration tools to streamline your grant processes from start to finish.
But don’t just take my word for it—countless satisfied Instrumentl customers are eager to share their positive experiences and testimonials.
Popularity
Instrumentl is highly regarded among grant professionals for its comprehensive approach to managing the entire grant lifecycle.
Unlike other tools that primarily focus on prospecting, Instrumentl offers end-to-end solutions that streamline the process of securing and managing grants, enhancing both efficiency and revenue.
Dawn Moeglin, CEO and Nonprofit Consultant at Full-Circle Fundraising LLC, raves about her experience with Instrumentl:
“Instrumentl has been like an elusive purple unicorn that I was looking for when I started my business. It makes me look like a rock star. I’m dealing with a lot of organizations with smaller budgets that have not had a lot of grant success, and now we are seeing a tremendous return on investment.”
One of Instrumentl’s best features is its 14-day free trial, which allows you to explore all of its tools and benefits firsthand.
After the trial, Instrumentl offers a range of pricing plans designed to accommodate the needs of nonprofits, universities, and fundraising consultants.
Plans range from $179 to $499 per month, based on the number of projects and features required.
GrantWatch is a well known resource for grant seekers, and provides a host of tools to support grant professionals in their efforts to find and secure funding.
Features
GrantWatch offers a variety of features to help streamline your grant seeking efforts:
A comprehensive database that includes over 8,000 grants from diverse funding sources.
Advanced search filters that enable you to narrow your search based on criteria like location, grant category, and funding type.
Email alerts to keep you updated on new opportunities.
However, GrantWatch does not offer any tools to assist with managing awarded funds in the post-award management phase of the grant lifecycle. This means that while GrantWatch is useful for finding and applying for grants, users will need to rely on other resources or tools to track, administer, and report on grants after they have been awarded.
Types of Funders Listed
The GrantWatch database includes opportunities from a range of funders, including:
Foundations
Corporations
Government Agencies
Community Foundations
Associations
User Friendliness
GrantWatch is designed with the user experience in mind:
Intuitive Navigation: The platform allows users to browse listings and apply search filters with ease.
Detailed Listings: Each grant listing includes essential information, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, deadlines, and the application process.
Support Resources: Educational resources are available to help users effectively understand and navigate the grant application process.
Popularity
GrantWatch is highly regarded within the grant-seeking community. User reviews consistently highlight positive experiences, particularly praising the platform’s easy of use and effectiveness in locating grant opportunities.
On Quora, one user vouches for GrantWatch’s “excellent service.”
Pricing
GrantWatch, like many alternatives to GrantMakers.io, offers various pricing plans to suit different organizational needs and budgets.
Here’s a breakdown of their options:
Weekly $18
Monthly: $45
Quarterly: $90
Annually: $199
3. FoundationSearch
FoundationSearch is a standout tool for discovering a wide range of funding opportunities. In this overview, we’ll touch on some of its distinctive features to help you get a better sense of why it could be a strong alternative to GrantMakers.io. Let’s go!
Features
FoundationSearch is equipped with a variety of features aimed at assisting grant seekers in finding and securing funding. Key tools include:
Advanced and Customizable Search Filters: Specifically designed for US foundations, these filters help narrow down the search to meet your precise criteria.
Comprehensive Database: Offers detailed profiles of funders, providing key information at a glance.
User-Friendly Search Wizard: Allows users to efficiently search foundation profiles by deadlines and keywords.
However, it’s important to keep a few limitations in mind:
Focus on Foundations: This platform is focused solely on foundations, so it does not include information on other types of opportunities.
Lack of Post-Award Management Tools: FoundationSearch does not offer features for managing grants after they’ve been awarded, which means you’ll need to invest in additional tools for grant management.
Types of Funders Listed
FoundationSearch is dedicated to providing detailed information on US foundations. As its name suggests, the platform’s database exclusively focuses on over 190,000 foundations.
User Friendliness
FoundationSearch prioritizes user experience with its intuitive design and straightforward search functionalities.
The platform includes a search wizard and sidebar filters, making it accessible even for newcomers to grant searching.
Popularity
Full transparency: the only reviews we could find for FoundationSearch came directly from their own website.
However, many users share positive feedback there, highlighting the helpful search functions and easy-to-navigate interface.
Pricing
FoundationSearch does not publicly disclose their pricing.
Instead, they require organizations to contact them directly for detailed information. Their sales team works with potential clients to assess their specific needs and determine if their services are a suitable match.
GrantStation offers a robust suite of tools and resources designed specifically for grant seekers. Focused on helping organizations find and secure funding, GrantStation distinguishes itself with its extensive database, strategic planning aids, and comprehensive educational materials.
Features
GrantStation offers a comprehensive array of features to enhance your grant-seeking efforts:
An extensive database that provides access to a wide range of grant opportunities.
Grant strategy-building tools that help you set objectives and create a grant calendar.
Proposal-crafting resources including templates and examples to assist you in writing winning proposals.
Notifications and alerts to ensure you never miss an opportunity—or a deadline.
Ongoing education such as webinars and newsletters to keep you informed.
However, like many of the GrantMakers.io alternatives on this list, GrantStation lacks post-award grant management features. This means that you will likely need to invest in additional tools to manage your awarded funds, potentially making it a less cost-effective option for your organization.
Types of Funders Listed
GrantStation provides access to grants from a diverse array of funders, including:
Charitable foundations
Government agencies
Corporate funders
International opportunities
User Friendliness
GrantStation is designed to be highly user-friendly, featuring intuitive navigation and easy-to-use tools.
Key aspects include:
Search functionality: advanced search filters enable users to quickly identify relevant grant opportunities.
User interface: the platform is structured for ease of use, making it accessible even to those new to grant-seeking.
Popularity
GrantStation enjoys positive reviews from many users, as evidenced by its overall rating of 4.8/5 stars on their Featured Customers page. This rating reflects widespread satisfaction with the platform’s features and usability.
This trend continues on other review pages, including G2:
However, some users share frustrations with the platform, citing it can be difficult to navigate and tough to find opportunities.
Pricing
GrantStation offers several pricing options to accommodate different needs and budgets:
One-Year Membership: Regularly priced at $699/year, but is often available at a promotional price. For example, GrantStation is currently running a summer sale, with a one year membership priced at $179.
Two-Year Membership: Priced at $249/year
5. Inside Philanthropy
Inside Philanthropy stands out as a valuable resource for grant seekers, offering a range of features and tools designed to streamline the grant-seeking process. Let’s delve into its main features, types of funders listed, user friendliness, popularity, and pricing.
Features
Inside Philanthropy provides a wealth of resources to help grant seekers navigate the philanthropic landscape effectively. Some key features include:
Extensive Grant Finder Database: This tool offers detailed information on thousands of funders and their giving priorities, making it easier for users to identify potential funding sources.
In-Depth Fundraising Guides: These guides offer comprehensive insights into various areas of philanthropy, such as arts, education, health, and more, providing valuable information for targeted fundraising efforts.
Funder Profiles: Detailed profiles that include background information, funding interests, and application guidelines to help users understand the best approach to securing grants.
Search and Filter Tools: Advanced search functionality that allows users to quickly and efficiently find relevant funding opportunities.
However, Inside Philanthropy lacks features for managing awarded grants post-approval. Users will need to seek additional tools or platforms for comprehensive grant management, which is inefficient and not cost effective.
Types of Funders Listed
Inside Philanthropy includes a diverse range of funders, ensuring that users have access to a wide variety of funding sources:
Private Foundations
Corporate Giving Programs
Public Charities
Government Opportunities
User Friendliness
Designed with the user in mind, Inside Philanthropy features an intuitive interface that simplifies navigation. Whether you’re new to grant seeking or have extensive experience, the platform’s advanced search and filter tools make it easy to locate relevant information quickly.
Popularity
Inside Philanthropy has garnered positive reviews from users who frequently praise its detailed funder profiles and comprehensive guides.
Pricing
Inside Philanthropy follows a subscription-based pricing model, with costs varying based on the level of access required:
Basic Subscription: $49 per month or $349 per year. Provides access to core features and the extensive database.
Premium Subscription: $70 per month or $499 per year. Includes additional features such as detailed fundraising guides and advanced search tools.
For precise pricing details, potential users are encouraged to visit Inside Philanthropy’s pricing page or to contact their sales team directly.
Is Instrumentl the Best GrantMakers.io Alternative? There's Only One Way To Find Out
We recognize we might be slightly biased, but we think Instrumentl is a standout alternative to GrantMakers.io. Not only can Instrumentl help you with your grant search efforts, but it can help with your post-award management needs too! Our platform supports the entire grant lifecycle, from prospect to post-award tracking.
Ready to learn more? Let’s go!!
Automagical Deadline Reminders
One of Instrumentl’s most impressive features is its automatic deadline reminders. When a funder changes a deadline, Instrumentl sends you an email right to your inbox, so you never miss a deadline again.
I love this feature—it helps keep me and my team organized and on track, all the time. Things move fast in the grant world, and this tool helps make sure things never fall through the cracks.
Don’t just take my word for it—here’s what Cynthia Ceilan, Director of Institutional Giving at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan had to share:
"I love the ability to track everything in Instrumentl. Take deadlines for reports and email reminders I get, for example. I don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night and think—oh my gosh, did I miss it?"
Integrated Information From IRS 990 Forms
Instrumentl’s 990 snapshots are another game-changing feature. These snapshots offer insights into funders’ financial health and grantmaking patterns, which can then help you make more informed decisions about which opportunities to pursue—and which are not worth your time.
Intelligent Matching to RFPs and Funders
Instrumentl’s intelligent matching algorithm matches grant professionals with good-fit funding opportunities based on their specific needs.
Here’s how it works: You tell Instrumentl about your nonprofit—where you’re located, what you do, and what kind of funding you’re looking for—and before you know it, you’ll see a list of curated funding matches, with new opportunities sent to your inbox every week.
This curated approach will help you focus on opportunities with a high potential ROI by weeding out opportunities that aren’t a good match before they even land on your desk.
Easy Collaboration and Task Management
Instrumentl’s platform facilitates easy, seamless collaboration and task management among your team. You can assign tasks, track project progress, and collaborate with colleagues all within the platform, which makes it easier to coordinate your efforts and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Find Foundations Open to New Grantees
Instrumentl shows you data upfront to determine if a funder is open to working with new grantees so that you don’t find yourself wasting your valuable time and energy.
The Openness to New Grantees report shows you the percentage of grants awarded to new versus repeat grantees and the average grant award for each. These insights will help you determine if pursuing an opportunity is worth your time.
While GrantMakers.io is a valuable tool for grant prospecting, its limitations, such as the lack of post-award management tools and limited dataset, can prompt users to search for a more comprehensive solution.
If you’re looking for a robust, one-stop-shop grant management tool, check out Instrumentl. With its comprehensive database, smart matching technology, and multi-user collaboration tools, Instrumentl supports you throughout the entire grant process—from prospecting to post-award management.
Start your 14-day free trial today so you can experience the benefits of Instrumentl yourself—we promise you won’t regret it!
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