At the PEAK Grantmaking conference last month, we asked attendees a simple but powerful question: If you had a magic wand, what would you add to / change about your grants management system? The responses we received reflected common themes and challenges in grants management today. Here are the key takeaways and our own reflections on what grantmakers want most from their systems:
A dominant theme in the responses was the need for grants management systems to be more intuitive and user-friendly. Grantmakers want platforms that are easy to navigate for both funders and grantees, reducing complexity and improving efficiency. Several respondents emphasized the importance of making the process transparent, reducing the learning curve, and ensuring that grantees have a seamless experience when applying for and managing grants.
Many grantmakers are looking for stronger integrations between their GMS and other systems they use daily. Seamless data sharing across platforms, interactive dashboards pulling from multiple forms, and automated workflows were frequently mentioned. Respondents highlighted the need for built-in visualization tools that reduce the need to export and manipulate data outside the system.
Ad hoc reporting capabilities and more flexible data organization were another central theme. Users want to be able to adjust table columns and data tags and create customized reports without needing technical support. A few mentioned the ability to better structure due diligence processes and streamline reporting across multiple foundations as well.
Grantmakers also expressed a desire for systems that facilitate better collaboration with grantees and internal teams. Features such as real-time chat support and tools that prioritize grantee voices were seen as valuable additions. Some also mentioned the need for better ways to involve their team in the grantmaking process and ensure that funder-grantee relationships are more dynamic.
Countless responses also pointed out that grants management systems should not only be functional but also visually appealing and enjoyable to use. The message was clear: design and usability matter, and an aesthetically pleasing, well-designed interface can make a real difference.
The feedback we gathered reinforces what many in the field already know—grants management systems need to evolve to be more user-friendly, better integrated, and more adaptable to the needs of both funders and grantees. As technology continues to advance, the best GMS solutions will be those that prioritize simplicity, automation, and meaningful engagement.
At Temelio, we're committed to helping grantmakers find the right solutions to meet their needs. Below, you can find some tangible examples of how Temelio tackles these themes today.
Prioritizing Simplicity & Usability: We believe in the power of simplicity! That’s why we collaborated with funders and grantees to create an intuitive system for all users. Check out our grantee portal in the accompanying video.
Enhanced Integrations & Automation: To provide a reliable single source of truth for data, we’ve prioritized integrations with key systems like Quickbooks, Salesforce, Power BI, and Candid. With these connections and advanced analytics tools, Temelio’s platform enables informed, data-driven decision-making. Explore our data visualization features in this walkthrough.
Dynamic Reporting & Customization: Accessing and analyzing your data independently should be a given in any grants management system. To avoid hindering organizational effectiveness, we’ve structured Temelio's data architecture for easy analysis across every field stored in the system.
Fostering Collaboration & Engagement: Effective grantmaking relies on collaboration, so we’ve embedded chat and commenting features across the platform to facilitate communication among internal teams and grantees.
Creating a Modern & Enjoyable Experience: Software can be fun! We incorporate engaging elements, like confetti that sparkles across the screen when a grantee submits a proposal. One grantee recently emailed us to say, “Oh my gosh, the confetti! That is exactly how I feel when I submit a grant proposal.”
Curious to see if Temelio might be a good fit for your organization? Book time with one of our team members to get a demo of the platform here.
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