Selecting Grants Management Software: The Hidden Cost Of Implementation

Increasingly, people connect with and purchase from brands that take Corporate Social Responsibility seriously. According to a study by Horizon Media’s Finger on the Pulse, some 81% of millennials expect companies to make a public commitment to good corporate citizenship. Clients such as JetBlue, Verizon Wireless, and Starwood have picked up on the need for a highly configurable online solution for their grant programs to save time, increase impact, and build their brands. Many additional corporations are looking to utilize online solutions, unaware of the hidden cost of implementation when selecting a grants management system.

The reality is, the majority of grant management companies will set you up with their software and then leave you on your own. When the program goes live and changes need to be made, the company will then charge significant fees to incorporate these changes or add new features to their modules. The struggle here is that grant programs constantly change, companies constantly change, and support should be in place to build out an online platform that evolves with these changes.

The key in selecting a grant management system is finding a flexible solution that incorporates high quality, ongoing client support that can anticipate needs and support program expansion. The software needs to be innovative and technically sound, but do not overlook the importance of a client success team to implement changes and offer feedback along the way. At Versaic, team members work closely with Versaic’s engineering, marketing and operations teams, staying up-to-date on the latest initiatives that benefit your specific organization.

Not only do you want a client success team that will implement your changes fast and provide ongoing support without additional fees, but you want experts on CSR programs and management systems to work with you. It is essential to have a true partnership approach, to not just implement features and offer support but share proven insight. You gain a huge advantage when you have support that is able to pushback, suggest ideas, and challenge you in the best way possible. Having experts that have seen what works and doesn’t work for some of the biggest brands in the space are experts you want to have work alongside you.

So when shopping for a grant management system remember to ask questions. Make sure ongoing support is included, and ask about the process of making changes after launch. Happy shopping!

Versaic is the only online solution for grants, sponsorship & donation management that works precisely the way you want. With our software and expertise, you’ll save time, gain insights, increase your impact and build your brand. Contact us today to request a free demo.