There has recently been a significant upgrade to Blackbaud Grantmaking, the software system that FRRR uses to manage grant applications and acquittals. This means that from the end of June, FRRR will begin moving to the new-look system, which is more intuitive and simpler to use.
There is also a much better autosave functionality, which means it is less likely that applications will be lost and you don’t have to remember to save regularly. The upgrade has resolved some of the issues with the current system, like passwords expiring and it will be easier to upload supporting documents. In addition, applications can be shared, so more than one person can contribute on behalf of the organisation.
This transition will be phased, starting in late June 2025 with new applications to SRC. As other programs open, applications will be submitted through the new portal and, from August 2025, all applications and reporting will be through the new platform.
What does this mean for you?
The way it looks and how you will access FRRR’s application forms will be different, as you will have one login for Blackbaud. But this means that if you apply for grants through other funders who use the same system, you can use the same login details and can manage your applications and acquittals in one place. There are a few other things that we want to highlight:
Below we’ve put some answers to some other questions you may have, which we’ll keep updating. We’re also working on new how-to guides and resources, and we’ll run a webinar in early July about how to use the new system. For any queries that aren’t covered below, please email us.
We know that changing systems is not always easy but our team will be available to help answer any questions you may have, once we begin the transition. Thanks in advance for your patience as we make these changes.
Frequently asked questions
What’s happening?
The grant application system that FRRR uses has had a significant upgrade and the current version will not be available from the end of August. FRRR therefore has to transfer to a new portal.
Over the next three months, FRRR will begin to transfer grant application and acquittal forms and processes to this new platform. This new portal looks different to the current application system and works differently, so community groups and staff will need to learn the new processes.
When is this happening?
The first program to transition will be FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program, which opens in late June 2025. As other programs open, they too will be on the new platform. The full transition, including final reporting for all currently active grants, will be completed by the end of August 2025.
Why is this happening?
From time to time, companies make significant upgrades to the software that they provide and no longer support the older versions. Blackbaud, which provides the system that FRRR uses to collect and administer grant applications and final reports, has been working hard to make their system easier to use for grant applicants and for funders like FRRR. They will stop supporting the current system at the end of August 2025.
That means that anyone using this platform needs to move on to the new version. It’s a bit like Microsoft or Apple changing the operating system every few years. It looks and feels different but you can still do all the things that you normally do.
What is different about the new system?
The system is ‘applicant centric’, not ‘funder centric’. This means that it is designed to make it easy for applicants to apply to multiple funders with just one account.
When applicants log in, they will be able to see all the organisations that use the system and manage all their applications to those organisations in one place.
The new system is more intuitive to use and simpler. It has resolved some of the issues with the current system, like passwords expiring and difficulty changing passwords.
There is also a much better autosave functionality, which means it is less likely that applications will be lost and you don’t have to remember to save regularly.
It will also be easier to upload supporting documents and information.
Multiple people can have access to work on the same application.
What does this mean for applicants?
Applicants to FRRR will need to have Blackbaud Account. If you don’t have one, you can set up a new one easily. The good news is that if other funders are using the same software, you will only need to remember one log in to be able to access your grant applications across multiple organisations.
If you want to be able to see your previous applications, you will need to log in to the current system, Grants Gateway, and download them before 31 August.
If you have a current active grant with FRRR, your requirements and granting documentation will be transferred across into the new system but to access it, you will need to set up an account for the new system.
If you have an overdue final report, or one that will be due in the next three months, we encourage you to log in to the current system and complete that report, so that it doesn’t have to be transferred to the new system.
Why can’t I keep the same password?
This is a new system with an increased focus on data security and so the current password can’t simply be transferred. As it’s separate, you should be able to use the same password (or a variation of it) but you will have to set up a new username and password.
Who will I talk to if I need help?
You can continue to call our team if you need help.