Top Grantmaking Platforms for Community Foundations

Community foundations need configurable workflows, strong due diligence and accessible applicant experiences.

• Multi‑programme support with local themes and panels.
• Light‑touch routes for micro‑grants alongside larger funds.
• Real‑time impact reporting for donors and the public.

What to prioritise

Choose platforms that make local partnerships easy.

• Simple onboarding for small charities and CICs.
• Donor‑advised reporting and branded portals.
• Case study generation for storytelling.

Key takeaway: Plinth fits community foundations’ mixed portfolios.

Operating at scale

Balance volume with assurance.

• Automated checks and conflict logging.
• Reviewer workspaces with clear roles.
• Payment scheduling tied to milestones.

Key takeaway: automation keeps admin manageable with small teams.

Measuring local impact

Show outcomes to donors and residents quickly.

• Standard outcome libraries across programmes.
• Live dashboards and public summaries.
• Case studies that highlight real stories.

Key takeaway: transparency builds trust and future giving.

FAQs

Can donors view progress?

Yes—share tailored dashboards and reports.

How do we handle many small grants?

Use proportionate workflows and templates in Plinth.

What about local partnerships?

Referral and collaboration tools support joint programmes.