# Instrumentl Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Instrumentl the right Grant Management solution for you? Explore 184 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/233384/Instrumentl/reviews --- Instrumentl 5 (184) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/233384/Instrumentl/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 June 3rd, 2026 # Reviews of Instrumentl Ease of use 4.9 Customer Service 5.0 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews NB Niki B Director of PhilanthropyPerforming Arts, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “It centralizes our funder searches, document storage, and deadline tracking so our team can stay on the same page in one place.“ January 23, 2026 CS Caroline S Dual Director, Advocacy and Grants ManagementHospital & Health Care, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “some limitations such as currently no interface with our accounting software.“ June 10, 2026 DB David B Grants and Development ManagerHealth, Wellness and Fitness, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I've relied on Instrumentl.com for the last 5 years to help boost overall grant funding for a wide variety of nonprofit missions including arts & culture, basic needs, environmental, food security, and Native American services. While I've primarily served Utah nonprofits, Instrumentl.com has helped support my small business in which I provide grant support in Colorado, California, and New York.“ November 14, 2025 CG Cole G Director of Special Projects and GrantsHealth, Wellness and Fitness, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “I wish I could refine my matches a bit more to more accurately reflect my projects (this could be user error).“ October 6, 2025 Paul D Senior Grant WriterHospital & Health Care, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Game-changer for grant writers -- If you’re looking for a grant discovery platform that evolves with you, and integrates beautifully with next-generation tools like ChatGPT & Instrumentl is the gold standard.“ July 28, 2025 Callie S Owner, Grant WriterFund-Raising, Self-employedUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “I wish my core users weren’t able to see each other’s projects. “ February 3, 2026 Shana W Director of Development OperationsNon-Profit Organization Management, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “I love how forward thinking the system is - clearly they are using AI for research and development and are mining a ton of material that is out there but isn't so easy to find (at least not with the time I have to dedicate to research!) But behind that is a team of really awesome, competent people focused on providing incredible 1:1 service to their customers.“ February 16, 2026 KB Kelly B Prospect Research StrategistEducation Management, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “You can abandon it but it will still show. If you delete it, then it won't show any other grant information for that project.“ February 10, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 184 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Shana W. Director of Development Operations Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Give Your Grants Program a Boost" February 16, 2026 5.0 I love how forward thinking the system is - clearly they are using AI for research and development and are mining a ton of material that is out there but isn't so easy to find (at least not with the time I have to dedicate to research!) But behind that is a team of really awesome, competent people focused on providing incredible 1:1 service to their customers. Pros The system is easy to learn - well thought out, it's clear that they built a program for grants managers and thought through various pain points, like managing deadlines and reporting. It is the first software I've used that has integrated so well with Raiser's Edge which is awesome, because now i'm not having to manage my portfolio in two separate systems. Cons That I waited so long to buy it. It's an investment for sure, but one new funder more than pays for your annual subscription. Alternatives considered [Zeffy](https://www.capterra.com/p/220131/Zeffy/) Reason for choosing Instrumentl It stood out from the crowd immediately. The amazing customer service took it to the next level. Switched from [Candid](https://www.capterra.com/p/237107/Candid/) I felt we'd outgrown the basic version but that the premium and ultra did not get me all of the benefits that Instrumentl. Review Source Response from Instrumentl March 6, 2026 Hi Shana, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback! Our team spends a lot of time thinking through the real challenges grant managers face, like keeping track of deadlines, reporting requirements, and juggling multiple systems. So it’s incredibly rewarding to hear that those efforts are making your work easier :) I’m especially glad to hear that the integration with Raiser's Edge NXT has been helpful for you. We know how valuable it is to avoid managing the same information across multiple platforms, so hearing that this has simplified your workflow is wonderful. And truly, thank you for your kind words about our team. Providing thoughtful, responsive support and building real relationships with our customers is something we care deeply about!  Thank you again for sharing your experience and for the important work you’re doing. We’re really grateful to be a part of your journey and look forward to continuing to support you along the way! JS Jennifer S. Grant Strategist Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Instrumentl: A Valuable Investment for Grant Writers" May 13, 2026 5.0 I found grant opportunities I did not know existed. I also found the more traditional private, foundation and public grant opportunities but with time sensitive updates which are difficult to tract. The deadline reminders that are posted at the beginning of each week are incredibly helpful to keep my grant calendars up to date. I did not have to independently search each grant on my calendar as the updates were emailed to me. Instrumentl is able to create a sense of community which is difficult to find as an independent contract grant writer. I do not feel alone in my search for successful grant opportunities. Pros The features area easy to use especially for grant projects for specialized populations in rural areas. I found opportunities that I had never seen before and many of the traditional opportunities with updates and time sensitive information that is difficult to track. Cons As an independent contract grant writer, the price is a bit high but the value makes it a worthwhile investment. The quality of prospect research is so good I will include part of the cost in my future independent grant writer contracts. I am happy to demonstrate Instrumentl's value with my clients through cost sharing. Switched from [Candid](https://www.capterra.com/p/237107/Candid/) Too complicated for the price and the prospect research was not specific enough for small rural underserved populations, the major focus of my grant research. Review Source Response from Instrumentl May 25, 2026 Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful review! We're thrilled that Instrumentl has been such a valuable tool for your rural population work and that you're uncovering opportunities you hadn't seen before. Hearing that the deadline reminders and weekly updates are keeping your grant calendar on track is exactly the kind of impact we're aiming for. We also really appreciate your transparency about the pricing. It genuinely means a lot that you see enough value to build it into your future contracts and share it with your clients. That kind of trust is something we don't take lightly, and we'll absolutely keep working to make sure it's worth every penny. We're so glad you're part of the Instrumentl community! MR Marcia R. Project Manager Individual & Family Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Well Worth the Investment" March 3, 2023 4.0 Pros We've discovered grants we would never have found without Instrumentl. The ease of reviewing digitized 990s makes this product well worth the investment. The time we save with Instrumentl has already offset our investment in the subscription. Customer support is excellent. I never wait more than 24 hours for a response. Cons The app is complex because of its rich features. It took us a few weeks to learn how to use it effectively. The tutorials are helpful, but they are only accessible once you subscribe. My best advice for trial users is don't pick too many areas of focus when setting up your projects. Review Source Response from Instrumentl April 3, 2023 Marcia, thanks for the kind words! It's incredible to hear about the new funders you have found using Instrumentl. I'm glad those 990 insights are saving you research time. :) We appreciate your recommendation to trial users! I am sending your feedback on to the rest of the team now. Thanks again for taking the time to write this review! ~Rebecca JB Julia B. Manager of Grants and Capacity Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "We love Instrumentl!! Best customer service ever!" June 10, 2026 5.0 I have been with Instrumentl for over 7 years and have been continually impressed with the product, the ease of the user interface, the plethora of features they offer (which keeps growing!), and the friendliness and responsiveness of their staff. Pros Instrumentl's customer service is stellar! They are very responsive and often take suggestions forward to their development team. Cons It can be a bit expensive; however, the value of the product is worth it if you can afford it. We have made it a priority in our budget. Alternatives considered [Blackbaud Grantmaking](https://www.capterra.com/p/242266/Blackbaud-Grantmaking/)[Grant Lifecycle Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/122147/Grant-Lifecycle-Manager/) Reason for choosing Instrumentl Customer service, user-friendly interface, and ease of use. Review Source Response from Instrumentl June 12, 2026 Hi Julia, Seven years! That genuinely means so much to us. Thank you for growing with us and for taking the time to share this. It's been a pleasure having you as part of the Instrumentl community, and reviews like yours are a great reminder of why we care so much about getting the details right: the interface, the features, the support experience. We'll keep working to make it worth your budget line. Thanks again for the kind words and for sticking with us all this time! MP Maurice P. President Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Smartest Approach to Managing the Entire Grant Management Process" June 19, 2026 5.0 Extremely positive. I greatly appreciate the caliber of the support team at Instrumentl. Their knowledge of the tool set and responsiveness could not be better. Pros Our nonprofit organization has been making use of Instrumentl since December, 2023. What we found most helpful: - Excellent ROI - In our first year of utilizing, we uncovered a number of foundations that prior to Instrumentl went unnoticed. In our first year, the return on investment for Instrumentl was over 500% Cons It took a bit of time to become fully knowledgeable about utilizing the core functionality of Instrumentl. Switched from [Candid](https://www.capterra.com/p/237107/Candid/) The other platforms were not near as robust as Instrumentl with respect to their functionality. Review Source Response from Instrumentl June 29, 2026 Hi Maurice! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. A 500% ROI in your first year is remarkable, and we're so glad Instrumentl helped you uncover foundations that had previously slipped through the cracks. That's exactly what we're here for. We appreciate your patience through the initial learning curve as well. Getting fully up to speed on a new platform takes time, and we're always working to make that onboarding experience smoother. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team at anytime, we're always happy to help. Thank you for choosing Instrumentl, and for the kind words about our support team. We're proud to work with organizations like yours and look forward to continuing to support your grant work! MC Monica C. Director of Grant Strategy Higher Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Instrumentl is legit my favorite platform" June 18, 2026 5.0 I accidently stumbled across Instrumentl when looking for free trainings for my interns (which they do have). After trying it out, I used every persuasive skill I had to convince my supervisor to get it! It has saved me SO MUCH time researching, prospecting, and tracking grants! Pros To start: as someone who has worked in grants for 20 years, this is, by far, my favorite platform. From grant prospecting to tracking, Instrumentl has it all. The user interface is very easy to use, and searching for what you need is a breeze! And if you can't figure something out, their customer service is amazing. They also have loads of free trainings and articles about various grant topics. It works great for those with multiple people on your team as well. I honestly cannot say enough about the platform. I geek out about it! Cons For small shops,. the price can be a bit daunting. BUT -- it will pay for itself over time with how much $$ you save with your time searching and building a pipeline. Switched from [Candid](https://www.capterra.com/p/237107/Candid/) At my last job, we had FoundationSearch, which I didn't care for...so we switched to Candid, which I knew from a previous role. After trying Instrumentl, I stated "This is like Candid, but on steroids!" Review Source Response from Instrumentl June 29, 2026 Hi Monica! Thank you so much for this review, it genuinely means a lot to our team! Hearing that Instrumentl has become your favorite platform after 20 years in grants is about the highest compliment we could receive. We're so glad it's been worth the investment for your team, that's what we love to hear! Thanks for being such a champion for Instrumentl. We're thrilled to have you with us! CS Caroline S. Dual Director, Advocacy and Grants Management Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Catching Up to Current Grants Management Practices is Simple with Instrumentl" June 10, 2026 5.0 From learning about the product from a company rep to implimentation and staff training, the Instrumentl team has been there, approachable, and easy to work with. We have had suggestions and questions from the start and they've listened, followed-up and followed through. As the only person in our 250+ staff organization who's roles specifically includes grants management, a system like this is vital to success. I've been able to narrow the time it takes for management, research, submission, and reporting by more than half. The cost of the system has already been covered through additional grants found and won through the Instrumentl system. Pros There is so much to like, but I think the usability of the system is what sold us. Adding in our organizational data was easy, training staff to use the system quick, and understanding and utilizing the features daily a no-brainer. We have for so many years relied on disconnected and antiquated processes for grants management and frankly, couldn't continue on that path. Insturmentl helped us get caught up so seamlessly and has worked through all of the questions, barriers, and bumps along the way. Cons some limitations such as currently no interface with our accounting software. There are some features we'd love to see, but also know that improvements to the system as always on-going, including adding more accounting software and productivity platforms everyday. Alternatives considered [Sage Intacct](https://www.capterra.com/p/76/Intacct/)[Good Grants](https://www.capterra.com/p/206672/Good-Grants/) Reason for choosing Instrumentl We looked at a ton of systems but only a few really met the full spectrum of needs. We needed research, writing, tracking, reporting, management, and budget pieces and so few grantee systems are out there. Most were for grantors. Switched from [GEMS Grant Easy Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/p/264602/GEMS-Grant-Easy-Management-Software/) Instrumentl was far more intiutive in design. It also included grants research and writing support. Uploading documents and information was much easier with Instrumentl. Review Source Response from Instrumentl June 12, 2026 Hi Caroline, Thank you so much for this review and for sharing details about your experience. It really means a lot to our team! Cutting grants management time by more than half as a team of one supporting a 250+ person organization is no small thing. That's exactly the kind of impact we're building towards, and we're so glad Instrumentl has been a reliable partner through that transition. The accounting software integration is great feedback. It's something the team is actively working to expand. Really appreciate your patience there, and your confidence that we'll get there. Thanks again for trusting us with something so central to your work. We don't take that lightly! SH Sarah H. Development Operations and Grants Manager Performing Arts Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Save Time & Raise More Funds with Instrumentl" June 9, 2026 5.0 Instrumentl has helped my grant writing tremendously at my organization. With their tools I was able to find several new funders for my organization (some becoming repeat contributors) as well as gain more insight into some of our current funders. With the 990 analysis they provided, I learned that a funder we thought only would support one of our education programs often funded operating support. With that new found knowledge, I applied for operating support and we got the full amount we asked for! The 990 analysis Instrumentl does is what sets them a part from other grant search databases. It has saved me so much time being able to fine tune my applications as well as save me from pursuing potential funders who did not align with my organization's mission and goals. Within my first year subscribing to Instrumentl, I received $41,500 in grant funding from new funders. That more than paid for the annual subscription! I tell everyone I know who works in grants that Instrumentl is amazing and so worth the price! Pros I love the 990 analysis that Instrumentl does for you. It saves me so much time I would have spent researching whether a foundation is a good alignment with my organization. Being able to see a summary of who a foundation supports, at what level, and percentage of new vs. repeat grantees is so valuable! Cons I wish I could search more easily among type of grantee. I can see a summary of the Arts & Culture grantees a funder gives to, but I would love to be able to search by that genre in addition to state/year that we currently can search. Alternatives considered [GRANTSEEKER](https://www.capterra.com/p/10011350/GRANTSEEKER/)[Candid](https://www.capterra.com/p/237107/Candid/) Reason for choosing Instrumentl The 990 analysis was so useful to me during the free trial and the other products didn't have as robust information as Instrumentl had. Review Source Response from Instrumentl June 12, 2026 Hi Sarah, Wow, thank you so much for this review and congratulations on $41,500 in new grant funding in your first year! That's the kind of outcome we work hard to make possible, so hearing it laid out like that is truly exciting for our whole team. The 990 analysis is one of our favorite things about Instrumentl too, and your example of discovering a funder's openness to operating support (and getting the full ask!) is exactly the kind of insight it's built to surface. Really glad it paid off. Your feedback on searching by grantee type is a great one. Being able to filter by something like Arts & Culture alongside state and year would make that data even more actionable. I've passed it along to our team. Thank you for telling everyone you know. It means the world to us! Cally E. Director, Grant Management Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Instrumentl: A True Game-Changer" December 10, 2025 5.0 Instrumentl has been a game-changer! I’ve cut my grant research time by more than half. As the sole staff member responsible for writing and managing grants, this tool has saved me countless hours in researching, writing, and tracking. I especially love the ability to add collaborators, assign tasks, and avoid manually tracking emails and reminders. The Instrumentl team is fantastic to work with—they respond quickly and are always helpful. Pros The most valuable aspect of Instrumentl is the significant time savings it provides. I have reduced my grant research time by more than 50%, which is particularly impactful given that I am solely responsible for writing and managing all grants within my organization. Cons I do not have any significant cons to report. On the rare occasion that I identify an area for potential improvement, I share my feedback with the Instrumentl team. They are highly responsive and genuinely receptive to suggestions, which reinforces my confidence in the platform and its commitment to continuous improvement. Alternatives considered [Grant Lifecycle Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/122147/Grant-Lifecycle-Manager/) Reason for choosing Instrumentl Instrumentl offers a comprehensive solution for grant research and management that significantly reduces time and streamlines processes, making it far superior to other options I have tried. Switched from [Salesforce.org Nonprofit Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/265078/Salesforceorg-Nonprofit-Cloud/) Our organization currently uses Salesforce as an excellent donor management system; however, it is not designed to provide comprehensive grant research and management capabilities. The ability to integrate Instrumentl data with Salesforce has been invaluable. It allows me to minimize time spent on repetitive tasks while ensuring that the information maintained in Instrumentl is also accessible in Salesforce for the rest of our team. This integration streamlines workflows and enhances data consistency across platforms. Review Source Response from Instrumentl February 6, 2026 Hi Cally - Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We're happy to hear we are able to help you cut your grant research time in half!  Thank you for always sharing your feedback with us, you are helping us improve! If anything ever comes up, feel free to share it with us. We'd love to hear from you! :D  SB Stephan B. Grant Writer Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "The best of the best" May 22, 2026 5.0 Best grant writing and management tool I had so far. The AI interface for customer support is accurate and loads quickly, I get my answers in the time I need to be a proficient grant writer. Pros Instrumentl keeps info up to date. Other grant writing tools do not. The dashboard is user friendly. Deadline emails are handy to stay up to task. Cons There should be a project module where i can upload documents about a certain company for whom i write a grant without having to go through the questionnaire. Review Source Response from Instrumentl June 12, 2026 Hey Stephan, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review, it genuinely means a lot to us! We're really glad Instrumentl has been a reliable part of your grant writing workflow. Keeping data up to date is something our content team works hard on, so it's great to hear that's making a difference for you day-to-day. Your feedback about a project document module is really valuable. Being able to upload org-specific materials without going through the full questionnaire each time makes a lot of sense, especially for consultants juggling multiple clients. I've passed this along to our team. Thanks again for the kind words and for being part of the Instrumentl community! DW David W. Grant Manager Higher Education Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "The top software available for grant management professionals" August 27, 2024 5.0 It's an excellent product, paired with excellent customer service. What else can you ask for? Pros 1\. Comprehensive grant opportunity discovery, curated by dedicated experts who meticulously summarize and keep opportunities up-to-date. 2. Detailed funder profile reports, featuring data extracted from funders' 990 forms, offer valuable insights into funding patterns, geographical distributions of grants, average grant sizes, and more. 3. Beyond grant opportunity aggregation, Instrumentl provides a robust project management tool that enables you to oversee your entire grant pipeline, track opportunity stages (e.g., researching, application in progress, application submitted, awarded, declined), and assign tasks to collaborators. Cons I wish that access to their API was a bit more affordable. Alternatives considered [Candid](https://www.capterra.com/p/237107/Candid/) Reason for choosing Instrumentl Better insights into funders and more comprehensive and up-to-date opportunities Review Source Response from Instrumentl November 18, 2024 Hey David, I want to remind you how much we appreciate you sharing your Instrumentl journey with us! We're always so happy to see you're making the most of our powerful grant management tools :) We're always continuing to expand and improve our API capabilities -- thank you for growing with us. As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team anytime -- we'd always love to hear from you! ~Sindhu Dawn M. Principal Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A game changer for grant writing consultants!" December 18, 2023 5.0 I rave about Instrumentl to everyone in my field and consider it an asset to hiring Full-Circle Fundraising for grant writing and prospecting. My clients greatly benefit from the information I am able to provide them. Pros It is intuitive and easy to use and supports my needs as a grant consultant. Cons I would like data entered under one funder to transfer to other applications, such as contact information. Alternatives considered [GRANTSEEKER](https://www.capterra.com/p/10011350/GRANTSEEKER/) Reason for choosing Instrumentl Ease of use and the ability to track multiple attributes of the grant application process, including notes, due dates, contact information and more. Switched from [GRANTSEEKER](https://www.capterra.com/p/10011350/GRANTSEEKER/) Instrumentl was more customized to my needs as a consultant and easier to use. Review Source Response from Instrumentl January 8, 2024 Dawn -- it''s so great to hear that you find Instrumentl to be a game-changer for your needs as a grant consultant! We'd love to learn more about what applications you'd like funder data to transfer to - feel free to email us to share! We're so happy to have you onboard. :) ~Ketaki LW Lisa W. Development Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Instrumentl is critical for our grant management and tracking" June 21, 2024 5.0 We Love Instrumentl!!! It is the most important software we use for grant management. Pros I love the grant research ability. It saves me time which means I have more time to apply for more grants. Cons The research component had a slight learning curve, but once I started using it, it became easier...practice makes perfect! Reason for choosing Instrumentl It was my understanding, the leadership team found the other applications to costly. Switched from [Salesforce.org Nonprofit Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/265078/Salesforceorg-Nonprofit-Cloud/) Instrumentl was more robust and provided all the components we needed in one application. Review Source Response from Instrumentl July 11, 2024 Hi Lisa -- Thank you for such a great review! We're so happy to hear that we're making your grant researching more efficient and saving you time to concentrate on the important part: applying for grants! We have lots of great resources to help you become an expert with Instrumentl such as our 101s, Advanced Training, and Office Hours! You can find one that meets your needs and times here: https://lu.ma/InstrumentlCustomerEventsCalendar Please feel free to reach out any time you need anything. ~Eric VW Val W. Grant Writer Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Instrumentl keeps getting better!" November 15, 2023 5.0 I would recommend Instrumentl over any other grant prospecting software that I've used--not just for the features it has now, but for the team's dedication to future growth. It is noticed and appreciated. Thank you, Instrumentl! Pros I've been working with Instrumentl both as a freelancer and as a full-time grant writer for over two years now. It has been amazing to watch Instrumentl grow into grant management to better meet their clients' needs. Support staff are always kind, timely, and helpful, and they are dedicated to making sure their grant database is kept up-to-date. Cons It may help to have a dedicated "Feedback" option or email address to contact support with suggestions about new funders to add to the system or updates to existing funders. Using their normal support works okay for the meantime, though! Reason for choosing Instrumentl Instrumentl is more intuitive to use and has more features than FoundationSearch. Plus, I like the design better! Switched from [Fluxx Grantmaker](https://www.capterra.com/p/146625/Fluxx-Software-for-Grantmakers/) Fluxx has useful grant management skills, but Instrumentl is more robust in its prospecting tools. Review Source Response from Instrumentl November 21, 2023 Val -- thanks so much for your review! It's great to hear that the grant management tools on Instrumentl have been helpful for you and that you find the platform intuitive to use. I'm sharing your suggestion with our team on creating a dedicated way to contact us about adding or updating funders! We're so happy to have you onboard. :) ~Ketaki NB Niki B. Director of Philanthropy Performing Arts Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Intuitive, Collaborative, Organized" January 23, 2026 5.0 It's been a satisfying experience that has brought clarity to our process. Having everything in one place is incredibly helpful, and their support team is always responsive. Pros Instrumentl is intuitive and makes collaboration easy. It centralizes our funder searches, document storage, and deadline tracking so our team can stay on the same page in one place. Cons The initial data migration was a bit time-consuming. However, the Instrumentl support team was helpful in guiding us through the transition. Review Source Response from Instrumentl February 6, 2026 Hello Niki - Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We're happy to hear you have found Instrumentl useful and it has brought clarity to your process! If you ever have any questions about any steps we are here to help you and make it as easy as possible!  Please feel free to reach out if you need anything! :) CH Caron H. Grants Compliance Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Instrumentl -- what you need for prospecting and tracking your grants" April 18, 2025 5.0 I've been working in grants since 2004, and in my time using different software, this is the most intuitive and easy-to-use grants prospecting and tracking program I have encountered. Pros The ease with which I can conduct prospect research, track opportunities through moves management, and pull reports to keep my boss in the know. Cons At first, it's almost overwhelming the amount of matches you can get, but once you learn to filter you can drill down and get to the best prospects. Review Source Response from Instrumentl April 21, 2025 Hi Caron, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this candid review of your experience using Instrumentl! It makes our team so happy to see you've been able to prospect successfully and keep your boss up to date using the reporting features. We're humbled by your words, knowing that in the 20+ years you've been working in grants, our platform is the most intuitive you've used. We're all ears for any feedback or ideas you have down the line. We appreciate you! <3 Best, Nate MM Mary M. Business Development, Nonprofit Consulting Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Instrumentl Is An Excellent Nonprofit Resource" March 17, 2025 5.0 There are many aspects of the platform and I've used it for a long time with nonprofit clients. The platform features have grown tremendously so if I haven't used it in a while, there are new things to learn. In my experience, they have produced many training videos and also have customer support for in person if needed. Pros I've used the Instrumentl platform frequently since it was launched, which I think was about ten years ago (writing review in 2025). It is quite intuitive and always works extremely well in sourcing grants. The platform is really an ecosystem of all dimensions of : grant sourcing based on your criteria, guidance in grant writing, and tracking and compliance. I am not a fulltime grant writing professional, but have consulted with many nonprofits and found Instrumentl to be so valuable in the grants I have worked on. It is always my #1 and only platform I recommend to clients and friends in the nonprofit space for the purpose of grant discovery, research, drafting and compliance. Cons I think this is an excellent platform, and cared for by a team of real professionals at Instrumentl. I don't have any complaints about the service and utility and while not a complaint, there are many things to learn about the platform to get the greatest benefit out of it, so there is a learning curve, like with any new platform. Review Source Response from Instrumentl March 21, 2025 Hi Mary :) Thank you so very much for giving up your time to share about your experience with our platform. It's truly amazing that you've been with us for so long. I appreciate how you spoke to the various stages of the grant cycle that our platform attempts to simplify and bring about success. While prospecting is a huge component we've invested in (and continue to build out thanks to our awesome Content team), the other components of the 'ecosystem', as you put it, are top of mind for our Product team. We're so grateful that you recommend us to so many clients of yours over the years. Also, I'm glad you're transparent about our platform having a bit of a learning curve like any new tool. We pride ourselves in the vast offerings, but we're continually working to make it intuitive and simple (i.e., less of that learning curve!). When any feedback comes to mind, we're all ears! Warmly, Nate LL Laura L. Director of Development Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Instrumentl is a game changer for grant writers! " June 13, 2025 5.0 Our overall experience with Instrumentl has been excellent. The platform helped us identify and successfully acquire new funders, streamlining our grant research and tracking process. It’s user-friendly, efficient, and a valuable tool for growing funding. Pros It makes grant research and tracking very streamlined! It is easy to navigate and set up several program projects to isolate research and tracking. Cons There are no complaints about Instrumentl—It has been a very helpful tool! The only thing to make it better would be if it were free! But, nothing worthwhile is free! Review Source Response from Instrumentl June 20, 2025 Hey Laura, Thank you so much for writing this review! It's humbling to see you benefit so much from our platform in organizing funding efforts in different projects. Yes, free everything would be great! Maybe someday... Congrats on identifying and acquiring new funders!! It makes our day to hear such impact stories from our customers. It's a reminder of our mission: to be a force-multiplier for nonprofits... to do the amazing work you do! As always, we are here to listen to your feedback, offer assistance when needed, and cheer you on as you shape the world for the better! Warmly, Nate LC Lynn C. Principal and Co-Founder Writing and Editing Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Instrumentl is a game changer for development professionals" March 17, 2025 5.0 Outstanding--I use Instrumentl nearly everyday to learn information about funders and funding opportunities. It has boosted our research capabilities. Customer service is fantastic too. Pros Instrumentl is a game changer for grants research. It is a robust search engine that helps find new funding opportunities and easily see grant ranges and giving history. It also alerts you when grant opportunities are due as well as any changes in an opportunity. It is amazing and essential software for development professionals. Cons No cons! It is easy to use and navigate. I love it. Review Source Response from Instrumentl March 21, 2025 Hey Lynn! I love reading about how Instrumentl has provided you with essential information about funders and their grant opportunities. We definitely strive to boost our customers' research capabilities, as you put it. It's great to hear how the opportunity updates + new matches alerts have helped you stay up to date with possible grant opportunities and when applications need to be submitted. While I love seeing that you think our customer service is 'fantastic' and there are no "cons", please do share any feedback or ideas with us directly once something comes to mind! Thank you so much for this review! Best, Nate EB Elisabeth B. Executive Director Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Instrumentl is key to our grant writing and research" March 4, 2025 5.0 The platform is intuitive, extensive, and the customer service is phenomenal. The extras you provide with webinars and email updates are invaluable. Pros It streamlines the work I have to do in researching, tracking, and cultivating relationships with foundations and grant makers. Cons We are gratefully grandfathered into a yearly fee that is less than $1000 and if it were to be higher we might not be able to use the platform. Review Source Response from Instrumentl March 10, 2025 Hello Elisabeth! Wow, thank you for these kind words of affirmation for our customer service. It's meaningul for us to read that you find the platform to be intuitive and extensive -- out Product team will love to know this! We strive to streamline work and just make your life easier when looking for grants and all the subsequent grant lifecycle stages. Thank you for your honest feedback around pricing - we know the nonprofit space is not the most lucrative when compared to, say, the private sector, and each organization has it's own financial constraints to operate under. Our team is very thoughtful around our pricing and plans, and we update it to be in alignment with our product improvements as well as the industry at large. Ultimately we want to work with each of you to make sure you're getting the value you pay for. I'm relieved to hear that's been the case with you :) If any more feedback comes to mind, let me know! Ciao, Nate CC Christine C. Chief Operating Officer Management Consulting Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Instrumentl as a Partner in Creating a Better Grants World" January 14, 2025 5.0 Instrumentl allows us to track a lot of grants information in one place so that we can be efficient and organized with our clients and among our grant writers. Pros Instrumentl saves us time on researching myriad potential grant funders and helps us stay very organized with our grants calendar, tracking awards, declines, etc. Cons Adding information in the opportunity screen can be a bit clunky. Review Source Response from Instrumentl February 21, 2025 Hey Christine! Our whole team is so appreciative for the time you took to share about your experience using our platform. Saving you time prospecting is a major win and goal of ours, as is making organization & collaboration seamless with our tooling. Thanks for being honest about your experience with adding info to the fields in a funding opportunity page. I'm going to make sure our Product team is aware of this feedback! I hope you can derive more and more value as our platform features expand and improve :) ~Nate JC Jill C. Client Manager Fund-Raising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "I love Instrumentl- Its Opens up a World of Possibilities" January 3, 2025 5.0 I use it for searching and learning more about foundations. It's helpful for strategizing. Oh it's great to get contact information and know who the trustees are. Pros I really, really love Instrumentl for creating tailored searches for various foundations. It's so nice to easily access 990s and see an overview of their foundation's giving histories. It's helpful to look at average size grants, funding priorities, funding areas by state, etc. I also love that we can look at other nonprofits and see what grants they have received to discover even more grants. Finally, its really nice that instrumentl has lists of grants for just about anything. Cons I don't have any cons. I think I am attached to my Google Spreadsheets though lol. Review Source Response from Instrumentl February 21, 2025 Hey Jill, I appreciate you so much for sharing about your experience with Instrumentl! It's great to hear that you've been able to leverage the customizable prospecting tools. I love that the Peer Prospecting and Funder Insights (990 reports) have helped you discover, study and strategize around foundations. Also, there's nothing wrong with loving your Google Sheets, ha! If you ever have any feedback for us, please don't hesitate to let us know! ~Nate LK Lauryn K. Director of Development Fine Art Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Instrumentl Has Played a Crucial Role in Helping Charleston Stage Discover More Grant Opportunities!" November 11, 2024 5.0 Pros Instrumentl has truly been a game-changer for us in connecting with new grant opportunities. It’s opened up doors to foundations, both local and beyond, that we never knew existed. We’ve been especially excited to discover private foundations in our own community, and the ability to see who they’ve funded in the past gives us valuable insight into how we can approach our proposals and make the most of each opportunity. Cons One challenge we faced when transitioning to Instrumentl was moving our data from a spreadsheet format into the software. Some of the information didn’t transfer exactly as we had hoped, which led to a few hiccups in the process. That said, we were incredibly grateful for Instrumentl’s support team—they were there to help every step of the way and made the troubleshooting process much smoother. Review Source Response from Instrumentl November 18, 2024 Hey Lauryn, So happy to hear you've opened up a world of possibilities with Instrumentl! Our team is always here for you, hiccups and all :) Don't hesitate to reach out anytime -- we'd always love to hear from you! ~Sindhu KA K A. Strategic Operations Manager, Grant Coordinator Management Consulting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I'd be lost without Instrumentl!" November 13, 2024 5.0 I appreciate the intuitive design and the time-saving aspects that help streamline all things grant-related. It makes our workflow easier and really boosts our chances of getting funding due to its targeted approach. Pros It's been a game-changer for our grant research process. The database is extensive, and it is easy to find relevant grants that align well with projects and programs we're looking to get funded. Cons I would love to see an integration with Google Calendar. Review Source Response from Instrumentl November 21, 2024 Hey K, Thanks so much for sharing your feedback with us :) We're so glad to hear you're finding grants that suit your targeted needs! By the way, Instrumentl actually does offer an integration with Google calendar, along with Outlook and Apple :) Thanks again for choosing Instrumentl -- feel free to reach out to us anytime! ~Sindhu DC Denise C. Director of Grants Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Instrumentl is Amazing!" September 4, 2024 5.0 Our private school purchased Instrumentl to assist us with building a grant program to support our overall fund development plan. We couldn't be happier with the opportunities this software presents in helping us to organize our queries by program and then track through the application process from start to finish. No more worrying that critical deadlines may fall through the cracks! Pros Instrumentl is easy to use and keeps me organized! This program revolutionizes grant management and makes research exciting and profitable. If you are looking to grow your programs, build capacity or tackle a capital project, Instrumentl will help you to expand your horizons by opening doors to funding opportunities that you didn't know existed. Cons Scratching my head.... :)...I would like to search for opportunities for "for profit" businesses struggling to make it, i.e. start ups, women/minority owned, etc. Review Source Response from Instrumentl November 18, 2024 Hey Denise, I want to remind you how much we appreciate you sharing your Instrumentl journey with us! happy to hear Instrumentl's helped you streamline your grants process end-to-end :) If you ever need help with searching for specific areas or refining your matches, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team anytime -- we'd always love to hear from you! ~Sindhu 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.