We know learning a new program can be a little overwhelming at times. We want to make it as easy as possible for your to get up and running in no time. We compiled this little quick start guide for your convenience.

GrantWave Demo Database

The first time you start GrantWave you are being asked if you want to start with the demo database or create a new one. We recommend to play a little with the demo database to get a feel for the program.

Organization

 After selecting the demo database the program opens with the Organization module showing you all the information about the first organization Lucy's Animal Shelter.

On the left side of the screen you see GrantWave's eight different modules with the active module (Organization) highlighted. The data grid on the right to it shows you all your organizations in your system. The demo database has one additional organization Sam's Fine Home. Next to the data grid you see the data tab with on tab for each sub module. Selecting any of these brings up a data tab to edit and view the corresponding data.

You are looking at Activities at the organization level. To add a new activity click on the '+' button below the activity grid. This will clear the form to let you enter new information. You'll find that most data tabs look very similar to this one. To get back to your Organization select About.

Program

Organizations can be categorized into Programs. A program can be a project, a department, a division or whatever you want it to be. To see all the programs of this organization click the Program module icon. You see almost the same data tabs you had at the organization level, but this time the data is specific to the particular program, e.g. for tab Activities you see additional activities that only apply to this program.

TIP: You can easily copy an activity from the organization level to the program level by clicking on the green checkmark. This brings up a dialog that lets you move activities from the organization level into this program. You can even select activities from a different organization.

Grant

When done browsing the program module select the Grant module by clicking the Grant module icon. You see almost identical data tabs, but this time specific to a particular grant. Enter a new grant by clicking on the '+' icon below the grant selection grid and enter some data. 

The basic concept is that you define data on the organization level and then specialize it on the program level. When writing your next grant, you have your data ready for you to grab from these sources.

Grant Writer

The Grant Writer is a wizard based module that leads you through the grant writing process step-by-step. You can leave and come back at any time. In fact you can even jump to any section by clicking the navigation bar on the left.

Contacts

The contact module shows you all the people in your database in an Outlook style fashion. Double click any contact to open. You can create new contacts here or in the personel tab of the organization, program, and grant module. When you create a contact there, it will also have a certain role associated with it. Roles are staff member, board member, funder, liaison, volunteer, and reviewer.

Grantors

Grantors are the organization, foundations, federal and state agencies, etc. where you apply for your grants. Double click any to see more information about the grantor.

Calendar

The calendar module shows you your due and review dates of your grants and brings up reminders when due.

Reporting

The reporting module offers you a selection of ready to print reports  The grant application, budget reports, or staff birthday list are just a few examples. The report designer allows you to customize existing reports or create new ones. Any report you create can be printed or exported as PDF or RTF to edit in MS Word. In order to export just press the green up arrow button in the report viewer menu bar.

We hope this guide gives you a little head start on GrantWave. Don't forget to check out our Tips & Tricks section or contact us if you have any additional question.