Why Grant Management Software is Essential in 2025

The shift from spreadsheets to AI‑enabled platforms and what funders gain.

By Plinth Team

Why Grant Management Software is Essential in 2025

In 2025, dedicated software is the practical baseline for fair, fast and accountable grantmaking.

  • Email and spreadsheets cannot meet modern compliance expectations.
  • AI now reduces review time without sacrificing quality.
  • Cloud platforms lower cost and improve access for small teams.

What changes in 2025

Three trends make software essential rather than optional.

  • Regulation and scrutiny: boards expect clear audit trails by default.
  • Volume: rising application numbers need structured triage and reviews.
  • Impact: funders want real‑time outcomes, not annual PDFs.

Key takeaway: systems translate governance and scale into day‑to‑day practice.

Practical benefits for funders

The gains are immediate for teams of any size.

  • 50%+ time saved on due diligence and feedback drafting with Plinth.
  • Fewer errors from duplicate entry and version conflicts.
  • Consistent communications to successful and unsuccessful applicants.

Key takeaway: efficiency and fairness rise together when workflows are standardised.

Getting started

Adopt a proportionate setup and expand as needs grow.

  • Map your current process; keep only the steps that add value.
  • Start with a single programme and reuse your templates.
  • Train reviewers with a short run‑through and example applications.

Key takeaway: small, confident steps lead to rapid wins.

FAQs

Is implementation heavy?

No. Most teams launch within weeks using Plinth’s templates and onboarding.

What about cost?

Licences are usually outweighed by time saved and reduced risk.

Can legacy data be imported?

Yes. Historical applications and reports can be imported for continuity.