Salesforce’s approach to grantmaking has evolved dramatically. What began as a community-built workaround has grown into a fully reimagined solution designed to support funders through every stage of the grant lifecycle.
But this isn’t just a rebrand—it’s a re-architecture.
Built on Salesforce’s modern data model, the new Grantmaking solution connects seamlessly with other Nonprofit Cloud or Public Sector Solutions features, offering greater flexibility, automation, and insights.
For organizations focused on scaling their impact and staying responsive, the question isn’t whether to modernize—it's how soon.
A Quick History
Grantmaking in Salesforce has steadily evolved—from a community-built tool to a scalable, purpose-built solution that’s now fully integrated into Salesforce architecture.
Outbound Funds Module (OFM):
OFM provided a basic structure for tracking funding requests and disbursements. It filled an urgent gap for organizations managing grantmaking in Salesforce but lacked extensibility and wasn’t supported as an official product.
Salesforce Grants Management (GM):
GM introduced application portals, review stages, and configurable workflows—all backed by Salesforce support. But it was still built on a legacy data model that limited scalability and cross-platform integration.
Nonprofit Cloud / Public Sector Grantmaking:
Grantmaking is built on Salesforce’s new industry-aligned data model. It offers a connected experience designed for funders—not just to manage applications, but to tie funding to outcomes, connect grants to programs, and leverage insights throughout the entire grant lifecycle.
Why the New Model Matters
Salesforce’s Grantmaking solution brings a new level of maturity—and flexibility—to the platform.
It includes:
A unified data model that aligns with Programs and Outcome Management for a 360-degree view of impact.
Configurable intake and review processes that don’t require heavy customization or code.
Modern automation and configuration tools: Faster builds, fewer workarounds, and more adaptability as your needs change.
Stronger reporting and dashboards that help funders track not just disbursements, but real-world outcomes tied to funding.
Room to grow: Built on the same foundation as other Nonprofit Cloud features, so as you scale services, your platform grows with you.
Why Now?
Funders are being asked to do more with less. Whether you’re managing complex programs, striving for more equitable funding practices, or trying to increase transparency and accountability, the pressure is on.
This new solution was built with those realities in mind—supporting stronger alignment between programs and outcomes, more intuitive tracking and reporting, and a highly configurable, end-to-end grantmaking process. Whether you're using Outbound Funds, Grants Management, or an entirely different system, one thing is clear: change is coming.
Salesforce is doubling down on its investment in Nonprofit Cloud, and the shift to a unified platform reflects a broader trend across the sector—where funders are prioritizing connected data, adaptive tools, and scalable systems that can grow with their mission.
What This Means for You
Moving to the new Grantmaking model isn’t a lift-and-shift. The data model has changed. The terminology is different. And that means thoughtful planning is key. But the payoff is worth it—especially for organizations looking to streamline data, connect systems, and track impact in more meaningful ways.
Here’s what to consider:
Process redesign: The new model opens up new possibilities—but that may mean rethinking how you intake applications, structure review stages, and measure outcomes.
Technical alignment: If you’re using other Salesforce solutions—like Marketing Cloud or Data Cloud—this is an opportunity to align your grantmaking workflows with a broader, connected platform strategy.
Data migration: OFM and GM use different object models and terminology than the new Grantmaking architecture. Careful mapping and testing are essential to ensure a clean transition.
Need a Partner to Navigate the Shift?
At ODNOS, we’ve supported grantmakers, foundations, and service providers at every stage of the journey. Whether you're evaluating your options, planning a migration, or seeking to better connect funding with impact—we can help.
We start with what matters: your mission, your team, and your grantees. Then we make sure the technology serves that—not the other way around.
Ready to scale your impact? Let’s talk.
