CAN I USE ONE SYSTEM TO MANAGE OUR ENTIRE GRANT LIFECYCLE?
When the goal is to affect real change for the causes and communities you support, you should be
spending the least amount of time possible on paperwork. From working with your applicants and
reviewing proposals to making awards, tracking progress, and more, look for a solution that can
streamline and simplify grants management.
CAN THE SYSTEM HELP US TRACK AND MEASURE OUTCOMES?
Philanthropy is transforming, and foundations across the sector are investing in the shift from focusing
on "How many dollars did we give?" to "What outcomes have our dollars achieved?" Refining your
approach to tracking and measurement doesn't happen overnight, and you need powerful tools to
enable you to build your outcomes measurement maturity.
IS
THE SYSTEM CUSTOMIZED OR CONFIGURABLE?
When it comes to software, this is an important distinction. With a customized platform, you're
in a peer group of one with a static system, and software updates are typically infrequent, time-
consuming, and costly. With a configurable solution, implementation is quicker; system updates are
much smoother, more frequent, and usually free; and you've got a built-in community to tap for
best practices.
CAN THE SYSTEM KEEP OUR DATA SECURE?
It should come as no surprise that storing your foundation's sensitive data in standalone spreadsheets
isn't exactly the most secure method. When you look at a technology vendor to power your
operations, ask how much the company is investing in data security and encryption, as well as
evidence of compliance and certifications to validate the answers.
DOES THE SYSTEM SUPPORT COLLABORATION AND ONGOING LEARNING?
When it comes to achieving your mission, you don't want to go at it alone. Look for foundation
management technology that supports your efforts to collaborate effectively with grantees and other
partners and that provides access to a community of like-minded change-makers to promote continual
learning and advancement of industry best practices.
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FOUNDATION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CONFIDENCE
TOOL
Five Questions to Ask Your Grant
Management Technology Vendor
Every non-profit
has a unique mission. What stands in your way on the
path to achieving it? We don't want it to be technology.
Your grants management software should be doing its job to support you in achieving your mission as you focus on
building a better tomorrow. Ask your technology vendor—or your team—the following five questions to see if you could
be getting more from the software powering your foundation.
Ready to ask these questions? We've got the answers
0207 601 7100
solutions@blackbaud.co.uk
www.blackbaud.co.uk
October 2017
