Good Grants

Pros

Really easy to use compared to other software we've used previously, particularly setting up different forms on the fly. Support team is super responsive

Cons

No real cons to speak of, there were a few terms that didn't make sense to make when setting up the account but the support team was quick to explain that

Pros

Quick responses to our queries, always accompanied by a video if the matter is 'tricky'. Platform is straightforward to use and highly user-friendly. All our stakeholders give compliment.

Cons

I wish we could have separate 'seasons' within our program.

Pros

Applicants were able to apply without many issues; customer service generally helpful with quick responses

Cons

Backend interface for building application forms is confusing with menus that are not intuitive. There are a lot of features that you can turn on and off but unless you're a computer programmer, you're probably not going to use them (and feel a bit lost in them, unless you're relying on the help guides...which are helpful but very wordy and time consuming to read). Features like PDF downloads for reviewers are great but not great when they don't work properly. Redacting information for a double blind becomes a manual process unless your applicant was very good about not embedding info into questions.

Overall it is okay but it honestly feels like an overbuilt beta testing version more than a finished product, which further makes it feel overpriced for what you get (a fancy form builder). Maybe the experience is better below the base plan? Might look at other platforms for our next round of grants.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Good Grants

Pros

It was easy to use, much easier than I anticipated. It's made us more efficient

Cons

Nothing in particular that stands out, I think any system takes a little while to get use to.

Pros

What I liked most about this software is that virtually all the tools and tips were in place so that I could easily create an application immediately. Using the trial version enabled me to try everything out so I knew in advance what all the capabilities were before purchasing the software. I still find it pretty amazing how so many things I wanted to do had already been thought of and put in place before I even started. In addition, running into snags (something not working properly) was nearly non-existent.

Cons

I think the final application should have the actual submission date on the preview/PDF. I found the location "content blocks" confusing when using the list in the review mode. At times, it would have been good to pick up the phone and call someone for a quick question or something that was difficult to explain. However, every online request for assistance was addressed quickly and thoroughly.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Good Grants

Reasons for Switching to Good Grants

Pros

The Good Grants software has changed the way we manage our grant applications. Before starting to use the software, we used to have disorganized applications and found it hard to manage and assign applications to different reviewers. An interesting aspect of the software is its customizable ability and the multi-language option. As a multi-lingual organization, the software has provided as the option of not only promoting diversity by allowing users to use interact with our platform in their preferred language, but also do so in a seamless and efficient way. The Good Grants’ client success team has also been very instrumental in ensuring our implementation phase is smooth, with the team offering 24/7 support. I also like the fact that you can get help in almost everything by using their precise and straightforward guides.

Cons

At first, I didn't like the fact that one of the languages that our partners use was not included as one of the language options. However, this was addressed by the Good Grants client success team since they offered to integrate the language to our platform.

Pros

Aidsfonds use a variety of the different features on the grants management platform, including the option for applicants to select their preferred language which comes in really handy for international use!

Cons

What I *did* like te least, was that we couldn't build or modify the form straight away from the main page, but had to bild the form by creating single field ('questions') from a separate page. However, Good Grants created a new feature which now does allow us to build or modify our form directly on the main page; we can now work in a so-called 'what-you-see-is-what-you-get' manner!

Pros

The software does everything we need to manage a small grants program for a price we can afford. As a non-profit, every penny counts so we made the decision to buy it very carefully. We have absolutely no regrets. It can be a little complicated to set up at first but with the excellent technical help and time becoming familiarized with the program, it got much easier. It has not only great for managing the applications, but because of the ease of the judging process, it has been easy to recruit and keep judges. All have commented on how pleasant the process was for them.

Cons

Building a program with the software from the ground up can be a challenge when you first get started but the tutorials and help topics were excellent. It was nice to know if all else fails, I can message a tech for help. They always got back to me faster than expected and were always able to fix the problem.

Pros

From an end-user perspective, this is an excellent tool that is easy to use, looks appealing and works well. We received good feedback from applicants, reviewers and program managers. There are a lot of options and ways to make it work for our programs.

Cons

There are small things that are inconsistent and some functionalities are lacking but they can usually be worked around. They seem to be aware of them and also seem to be working on it. The number of elements that depend on each other and need to be set up correctly makes for a steep learning curve at the beginning.

From a program manager perspective, the seasonality aspect and the myriad of options and menus pose a challenge and often require a substantial amount of setup.

Pros

We looked to deploy a grant system with short notice and having the support of [SENSITIVE CONTENT] (AU) was outstanding. The system is easy to deploy and use and I am very happy with the choice we have made.

Cons

The biggest issues I have encountered are little bugs as new functionality rolls outs are made - staff at Good grants have been great at having the engineers rectify these quickly.

Pros

The intuitive nature of this software system is incredibly helpful when implementing a grant cycle. Notifications and communication to other organizations can be scheduled and tracked. Application progress can be seen in real time on a customized dashboard. Different scoring criterias and ranking systems can be established for reviewers. Reviewers benefit from side-by-side reviewing (application questions/answers : rubric).

Cons

I wish there was a better way to link RFA communication to the LOI stage to the full application stage.

Pros

Functunality and growing uses, ability to customize.

Cons

Being able to keep simultaneous rounds open.

Pros

Moving to Good Grants saved our staff and volunteers time and money.

Cons

Some users were challenged by changing from a purely paper application to online, but since administrators can view applications live, we are able to help them easily as they get used to the product.