# GivingData Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is GivingData the right Grant Management solution for you? Explore 12 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/166229/GivingData/reviews --- GivingData 4.8 (12) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/166229/GivingData/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of GivingData Ease of use 4.9 Customer Service 5.0 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-12 of 12 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Allison G. Director, Grants and Knowledge Management Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent Grants Management Features and Strong Implementation" February 15, 2018 5.0 GivingData has become a trusted source of grant information in departments across the Foundation. We've replaced countless shadow spreadsheets, streamlined meeting materials, and cut down on all the data discrepancies those shadow spreadsheets create. We've moved our application process online and begun to expand grant monitoring for learning purposes (less emphasis on the "audit" role of reporting). We've also connected systems through APIs with both our website (to report grant data seamlessly) and Salesforce, which has bridged disparate data sets. We are currently in the process of sunsetting another stand-alone database; work that would not have been possible prior to our migration to GivingData. Finally, we benefit from the implementation, project management, and general philanthropic expertise of the GivingData staff. More than functionality, large scale data migrations and databases require adept change management skills. GivingData staff have them, and also help structure projects and engagements so that foundation staff can build or improve their own change management skills. We've continued to feel that support two years after our initial migration. Their annual client convening also offers incredible professional development opportunities beyond "how to use GivingData." The company seeks to help clients think about ways to further leverage the software in their work, but also how to learn skills that their daily jobs might not build. This probably sounds overly positive, but truly our experience has been so positive. Pros GivingData is an intuitive software at all user levels. For casual users (e.g. President or VP of Grant Programs), the dashboards provide a quick and easy-to-read overview of progress towards the key performance indicators they are tracking. For program officers, GivingData has a strong scenario planning tool that helps them plan their work for the current and future years. For grants management staff and other power users, GivingData is fast, streamlined, and easy to configure to a particular workflow. Finally, the Learning (Measurement/Assessment) module leverages evaluation data that was previously decentralized and difficult to access, and allows us to view foundation-wide metrics for reporting to the board and other stakeholders. Cons The current iteration of contact management could use improvement (which I understand is under development). But this has similar functionality to all other grants management platforms, and dedicated CRMs like Salesforce. I just don't think anyone has yet cracked the code on CRM for grants management. Review Source DS Danny S. Grants and Operations Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Givingdata 100/10" September 17, 2025 5.0 r overall experience with GivingData has been excellent. The platform is user-friendly, adaptable to our needs, and has made managing grants much more efficient. The support team is responsive and genuinely helpful, which makes using the system even better. We highly recommend it to any organization looking to simplify and improve their grantmaking process. Pros The platform is intuitive, very customizable, and clearly designed with grantmakers in mind. I like how it streamlines our workflow, improves communication with grantees, and makes applications easier. The customer support team is excellent, quick to respond, knowledgeable, and truly invested in our success. Cons We have no complaints! The platform meets all our needs and the support is excellent. We look forward to continuing to use GivingData for years to come. Switched from [Blackbaud Grantmaking](https://www.capterra.com/p/242266/Blackbaud-Grantmaking/) We switched from Blackbaud because as a smaller organization we often felt overlooked. The platform was difficult to use and didn’t fully meet our needs. GivingData has been much more user-friendly and responsive, making us feel supported and valued. Review Source MP Majo P. Regional Partnerships Director for Central and South America Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "User-Friendly Platform with room for practical enhancements " November 20, 2024 4.0 My overall experience is very good. However, the areas mentioned above could be significantly improved. Pros GD is an intuitive and user-friendly platform. Its adaptability to the specific needs of an organization is a significant strength. I appreciate the ease of navigation and the thoughtfulness behind its design, which facilitates smooth day-to-day operations. Cons Currently, the process for uploading pictures could be streamlined or made more robust, as it feels somewhat limited. Additionally, incorporating features like reminders for payments or important dates would be a valuable addition, helping organizations stay on top of critical deadlines. Review Source PH Peggy H. Senior Grants Manager Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Highly Recommend GivingData" November 20, 2024 5.0 Excellent. Shout out to Mya who is awesome! Pros It is easy to use and pretty intuitive to operate. I have trained a couple of colleagues on the software and it is very easy to learn. Cons Certain fields don't export which I don't understand. It seems like anything you put in, you should be able to get out. Also, I wish it was easier to edit the banking information. Alternatives considered [Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT](https://www.capterra.com/p/27468/Financial-Edge-NXT/)[Submittable](https://www.capterra.com/p/158382/Submittable/) Reason for choosing GivingData I was not here when this decision was made so cannot comment. I think it was more expensive than some but less than others and had the features we wanted. Also not geared to a niche industry like software for medical field grants only, etc. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Director of Grants Management Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Giving Data - Great Value with Features, Support, and Partnership" November 20, 2024 5.0 We transitioned to Giving Data's Grants Management System during COVID. Their team was invaluable in guiding the system design and implementation remotely. We have continued to explore the system's functionality as they add enhancements and new features. Pros Giving Data is very intuitive, which has enabled my team to get up to speed quickly. Their support team takes the time to work in partnership with us to resolve technical issues; Giving Data's employees are responsive and great to work with. Cons Because of the very unique processes and operations of each foundation, there are features offered in Giving Data which do not assist us in our work. However, given the many features that ARE essential and helpful for us, Giving Data provides a lot of bang for the buck! Alternatives considered [SmartSimple Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/166429/SmartSimple-Cloud/)[Fluxx Grantmaker](https://www.capterra.com/p/146625/Fluxx-Software-for-Grantmakers/)[Grant Lifecycle Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/122147/Grant-Lifecycle-Manager/) Reason for choosing GivingData More intuitive product, easier learning curve, less customization needed, better support. Switched from [Blackbaud Grantmaking](https://www.capterra.com/p/242266/Blackbaud-Grantmaking/) Blackbaud GIFTS was unwieldy and expensive and Blackbaud was not responsive to our needs. Review Source SR Sara R. Grants and Operations Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "GivingData Provides Extremely Responsive Services" November 20, 2024 5.0 My overall experience with GivingData has been excellent. In particular, the customer services team is extremely responsive and I appreciate the robust user community they are cultivating. Pros Extremely responsive customer service. Cultivating active user group community. Cons Less form functionality than some other products. Knowledge Base documentation missing information on may features, elements, uses, etc. However, customer support always responsive to questions. Switched from [Blackbaud Grantmaking](https://www.capterra.com/p/242266/Blackbaud-Grantmaking/) GIFTS was not an option, so I selected Blackbaud Grantmaking. But we were previously on GIFTS. I was not with the team when this switch was made, but I believe GIFTS was sunsetting. Review Source RA Rikki A. Manager, Public Benefit Computer & Network Security Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great fit for the Australian context" October 7, 2024 5.0 Very helpful and efficient implementation experience. Understanding and supportive of our need to implement two grant programs in a short period of time as part of our implementation. Highly recommended to my Australian grant-making colleagues Pros User friendly, visually accessible and intuitive. Actually handy having staff in a different time zone as queries could be responded to 'overnight' ready for us the next day. Cons There was little that I did not like. Generally any issues we had could be talked through with \[sensitive content hidden\] and a solution found. Alternatives considered [Grant Lifecycle Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/122147/Grant-Lifecycle-Manager/) Reason for choosing GivingData Being used by respected Australian grant-making foundations Switched from [Submittable](https://www.capterra.com/p/158382/Submittable/) clunky and not user-friendly. Not a good option for impact tracking Review Source KS Kyle S. Program Director Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Reflections from a Grantmaking Foundation" November 20, 2024 5.0 The staff at Giving Data are extremely responsive and attentive to trends in the ecosystem. Our Foundation made the switch to this platform around 2021 and our grantmaking experience is the better for it! Pros There is a strong user community which fosters organic community learning, while ensuring the swift delivery and applied innovation of the experts at Giving Data. Cons We value continued explorations into how the partner (grantee) experience, as well as high-level (executive director) foundation staff usage can continue to develop. Review Source PB Pam B. Grants Coordinator Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "One-Year mark" November 20, 2024 4.0 I am coming up on my one-year mark. My overall experience has been great. Everyone I talk to is professional, yet I feel like they are my friend. Pros the flow is natural and makes it easier to learn. I also like the batch edit. Cons Trying to create a report to pull. Sometimes I put too many criteria that it does not work, others not enough. So, what is the happy medium? Alternatives considered [akoyaGO](https://www.capterra.com/p/92666/Pearl-Akoya-net/) Reason for choosing GivingData All the program officers liked the CRM.. Switched from [Bonterra CyberGrants](https://www.capterra.com/p/93731/Bonterra-Grants-Management/) CG was pieced together and more for 0000 Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Critical Thinking Coach Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "I haven't been in the industry very long but feel that I have a strong command of the software" February 15, 2018 5.0 Given the product is used by various organizations, the out of the box product does require some customization depending on use. Pros The software is very intuitive. GD responds quickly to suggestions and implements less complicated fixes very quickly. Review Source RK RITT K. Senior Grants Management Associate Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GivingData Review" June 25, 2024 5.0 It has been fairly positive. I have been using it for 4 years and there have only been a few complaints/displeasures. But as it has developed over the years, the product is overall improving. Pros The workflows and ease of use. Also, support team is responsive and helpful. Cons Certain developmental decisions. Priorities of modules or builds. Review Source MN Meridian N. Director Philanthropy Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Leadership engenders confidence, the product offers great interface and technology; and it works!" August 22, 2017 4.0 Pros I highly value GivingData because of their deep commitment to providing a modern platform making it easier for grantmaking entities to achieve their mission. They honestly and earnestly work with clients, greeting challenges as an opportunity to further their offerings. Selection and implementation of a grant management system is stressful and fraught with pitfalls. The GivingData team helped soften the inevitable stress by providing solutions efficiently. Through the use of agile methodology, they delivered (mostly) on time and budget. Overall it was a fairly smooth implementation from data/document migration (out of GIFTS Classic) to training new users. The product is very easy to learn and intuitive to use with a clean interface. Core components are in place with enhancements and new functionality being released all the time. Overall the functionality is reliable and the few occasions it has not been they have been responsive. The tax verification, document management and budget forecasting functionality match or beat its competitors. I love that they already have a track record of moving data across platforms. We have received positive feedback and solid adoption from staff at all levels from programs to grants to finance to leadership. Their non-technical staff has experience working in a wide range of foundations and bring that understanding to bear when helping on an implementation or when building functionality. Cons The contact management functionality is a little underdeveloped and has a 2018 target for improvement. The process of building individual merge field-based templates is time consuming and they lack some materials that a more established system may offer. There is still room to improve some of their data visualization offerings, ability to save/share/customize how query results are displayed, and batch processing. Admin tool is being updated regularly and it is still a few versions away from where we need it to be. What works is good but it is not all there yet. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Grant Management](https://www.capterra.com/grant-management-software/) ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.