What is Grant Management?

Grant management is the end‑to‑end process of planning, awarding and overseeing grants so that money reaches the right organisations and delivers impact.

• Clarifies responsibilities across pre‑award, award and post‑award stages.
• Ensures compliance, fair decision‑making and transparent reporting.
• Benefits from modern platforms like Plinth that automate routine work.

Why grant management matters

Effective grant management protects public and philanthropic funds and helps grantees succeed. Without a structured approach, reviews take longer, risks go unnoticed and learning is lost.

• Accountability: clear audit trails, proportionate checks and consistent criteria.
• Efficiency: streamlined workflows reduce manual collection, rekeying and email back‑and‑forth.
• Impact: standardised outcomes and real‑time dashboards show what works.

Key takeaway: a disciplined process gives funders confidence while reducing burden on charities.

The core stages at a glance

Grant programmes typically follow four practical stages, each with defined outputs and controls.

• Pre‑award: set aims, eligibility and criteria; publish guidance and open calls.
• Assessment: screen for eligibility, review applications and record decisions.
• Award and delivery: issue agreements, schedule payments, support delivery.
• Monitoring and impact: collect proportionate data and close grants with learning.

Key takeaway: using one platform for all stages reduces duplication and risk.

Where software fits in

Modern systems replace scattered spreadsheets and inboxes with one dashboard. AI now accelerates time‑consuming steps without replacing judgement.

• Automation: eligibility checks, due diligence and draft feedback.
• Collaboration: shared reviewer workspaces and conflict‑of‑interest logging.
• Reporting: portfolio‑level outcomes and on‑demand impact summaries.

Key takeaway: Plinth brings the full cycle into a single, secure workflow.

A proportionate approach for small grants

Controls should match risk and size. Small awards can use light‑touch checks and simplified reporting while keeping a clear trail.

• Eligibility forms and standard agreements keep setup fast.
• Payment schedules and automated reminders prevent delays.
• Short outcome snapshots replace lengthy final reports.

Key takeaway: proportionate processes are fairer for charities and faster for funders.

FAQs

What is the goal of grant management?

To fund the right work efficiently, lawfully and transparently while capturing impact and learning.

Do small funders need software?

Yes. A lightweight system prevents errors and saves time; Plinth has an accessible setup for small teams.

Does AI replace human decision‑making?

No. AI drafts and checks; humans decide. Plinth uses a human‑in‑the‑loop approach.

How is success measured?

Clear outcomes, proportionate data collection and a concise close‑out review of results and learning.